September 17, (THEWILL) – Sheffield United goalkeeper, Wes Foderingham, was subjected to racist abuse online after Saturday’s English Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Foderingham received the messages following Tottenham’s late 2-1 comeback victory. Both clubs released statements on Sunday, condemning the racist messages directed at Foderingham. Sheffield United said they would work with relevant authorities to investigate the incident and support the player. Meanwhile, Tottenham stated there is “no room for racism in our game” and that they will take the “strongest possible action” against those responsible, including potential stadium bans.
The abuse came after Foderingham had played the full 90 minutes in Sheffield’s narrow defeat. The visiting side had taken a surprise lead through Gustavo Hamer before Tottenham scored twice late on to secure the win. Foderingham took to social media himself to call out the racism and threats aimed at him.
The two clubs are back in EPL action next weekend. Sheffield United host Newcastle United on Sunday, while Tottenham make the short trip to face rivals Arsenal in the first North London derby of the season. Both will be hoping there is no repeat of the disgraceful abuse.
Racism continues to be a problem in football. However, the swift condemnation from both clubs shows there is a zero-tolerance approach. Those responsible must face the strongest punishments to stamp out such hatred.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
