Kyle Walker-Peters: Southampton ‘disgusted and disappointed’ by racist abuse
Southampton said they were “disgusted and disappointed” after defender Kyle Walker-Peters suffered racist abuse online on Sunday.
Offensive remarks were posted in the comments to the 25-year-old’s weeklong Instagram post after his team goalless draw with Manchester United.
The club have forwarded the relevant messages to Hampshire Police.
Southampton also contacted the police in February 2021 after the midfielder Alex Jankewitz was the victim of racist abuse on line.
In a report, the club expressed their dissatisfaction with the inability of social media platforms to address the issue.
He said: “More than two years later, we find ourselves in exactly the same position: disgusted and disappointed with the behavior of those online who stoop to abuse players for the color of their skin.
“What is equally frustrating is the lack of meaningful action over these two years from social media platforms that allow such hatred to breed and fester.”
A racist term has been leveled at full-back Walker-Peters in response to a comment about United substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
Winger Garnacho appeared to be in pain after a challenge from Walker-Peters in the latter stages of the match at Old Trafford.
Two years ago, Switzerland’s Jankewitz, now 21, suffered racist abuse after being sent off in the Saints’ 9-0 loss to United.
Southampton said the club are “fighting every day” to weed out abusive people to protect staff and fans who “celebrate” diversity in football.
“We can only hope that they finally pay attention to what continues to be a major issue and that we don’t find ourselves repeating these words two years from now,” the statement added.
bbc
