PFA urges Twitter to take "stronger action" against racist accounts after Mansfield Town's Mal Benning targeted by Chesterfield '"fan"

The Professional Footballers’ Association is calling on Twitter to take “stronger action” against accounts that post racist comments.
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It comes after Mansfield Town’s Mal Benning was sent a racist tweet on the social media site, purporting to be from a Chesterfield fan on Monday night.

The police are investigating the incident and say they have identified the person responsible.

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Chesterfield FC have condemed the tweet and said “racist comments simply cannot be tolerated.”

The tweet has been deleted but the PFA say this is an “insufficient response” and has called on Twitter to “reconsider their policy.”

A PFA statement read: “Malvind Benning was subjected to vile racist abuse here on @Twitter

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“The PFA reported the post directly to Twitter, and the offending tweet was removed.

Mansfield Town's Mal Benning.Mansfield Town's Mal Benning.
Mansfield Town's Mal Benning.

“While we commend the quick action, simply deleting a post is an insufficient response to tackling racist abuse.

“We cannot understand why Twitter allows racist accounts to continue to participate on the platform.

“We are calling on @TwitterUK to reconsider their policy and to take stronger action on accounts that post hateful rhetoric.

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“In December, we called for a government inquiry into racism in football. We have been in contact with the Minister of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport regarding this issue.

“We will be working to ensure all forms of racist abuse – whether from the stands or social media networks – are included in this process.”

On Tuesday PC Adam Collins, of Derbyshire Police, said they are looking into the incident with the help of Mansfield Police.

Spireites Police tweeted: “We have been given a name but any information will be treated confidentially. No place for this in society.”

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While a spokesperson for Kick it Out said: “We’ve reached out to Mal following the disgusting racist abuse aimed at him.

“We’re pleased the police are investigating and hope the person is brought to justice.”