Teenager who racially abused Sheffield United's Rhian Brewster referred to Youth Offending Services

A 14-year-old boy who subjected Sheffield United striker Rhian Brewster to racist abuse on Instagram has been referred to Youth Offending Services by the police.
By Lloyd Bent
Published 6th Oct 2021, 13:14 BST
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In March, former Liverpool forward Brewster made public an abusive message he received on his Instagram account.

Sheffield United, who signed the England Under-21 international during October 2020 in a £23.5million deal, offered Brewster their full support and called on authorities to take action.

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Sheffield United's Rhian Brewster during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park, London. Issue date: Tuesday October 5, 2021.Sheffield United's Rhian Brewster during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park, London. Issue date: Tuesday October 5, 2021.
Sheffield United's Rhian Brewster during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park, London. Issue date: Tuesday October 5, 2021.
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An investigation by South Yorkshire Police resulted in Staffordshire Police taking on matters after an individual had been identified.

A statement from Staffordshire Police reads: “In June 2021, colleagues from South Yorkshire Police contacted us regarding a report of online racist abuse of a footballer.

“Following enquiries, a 14-year-old boy was located and spoken to by officers.

“He has accepted responsibility and in line with the victim’s wishes, has been referred to Youth Offending Services.”

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Youth offending teams are part of the local council structure, separate from the police and the courts. They work with young people who get into trouble with the law and try to help them stay away from crime.

Earlier this year, Instagram’s owner Facebook announced it would impose stricter penalties on perpetrators of abuse, including removing accounts.

When contacted after Brewster had made the racist message public in March, Instagram did not comment directly on the matter itself, but said players are urged to report such incidents to them so their procedures can be initiated.

The social media platform stressed attacks on race, religion, nationality and sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

Instagram has been contacted for further comment.