Manager applauds Sheffield United supporters' response to racism outrage

Chris Wilder has welcomed plans by a group of Sheffield United supporters to establish a movement designed to combat racism after David McGoldrick, the club’s centre-forward, was targeted by a social media troll following last weekend’s win over Chelsea.
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Calling for the perpetrator to be “severely punished” by police, who launched an investigation into the matter when McGoldrick posted the message he received on one of his social media accounts, Wilder applauded efforts by the Dem Blades fanzine to explore ways of tackling the issue in light of recent events.

Although Wilder believes the authorities should do more, including introducing tighter regulation of those responsible for running platforms where abuse thrives, he said: “It’s our football club. I’d like to think we don’t have an issue with it here but, if we do, then it needs dealing with quickly.

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“It’s about all of the major stakeholders in the game. And who are the biggest stakeholders? Well, for me it’s the supporters.”

McGoldrick is expected to feature when United travel to Leicester City on Thursday, after scoring twice during the 3-0 defeat of Frank Lampard’s side. A win at the King Power Stadium would lift the visitors to within two points of Brendan Rodgers’ fourth-placed squad with two matches of the season remaining.

Reflecting upon McGoldrick’s performance against Chelsea - which saw him claim the first top-flight strikes of his career - Wilder said: “He's the ultimate team player. He’s a special player and well respected by our supporters. They’ll tell you how much he's appreciated."

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