Sheffield Wednesday issue strong statement after online racist abuse targets player’s family
Sheffield Wednesday have issued a statement after the family of one of its players was racially abused online.
Sheffield Wednesday have said that the family of one of their players was racially abused on social media following Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat to Notts County at Meadow Lane.
The Owls’ nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end following goals either side of half-time from Daniel Kanu, who opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and substitute Darius Lipsiuc.
Wednesday, who had not faced Notts in a league fixture for more than 14 years, also had Jamal Lowe sent off just five minutes after half-time for a straight red-card offence. The attacker was dismissed for catching Magpies defender Jacob Bedeau while stretching to try and retrieve the ball after a heavy touch.
It has now emerged that racist abuse was directed at the family of a member of Wednesday’s squad. The club has insisted that it stands with those affected and will ‘take the strongest possible action against anyone responsible for such abuse’.
A statement issued by the club on Wednesday lunchtime said: “Sheffield Wednesday is aware of racist abuse directed towards the family of one of our players on social media following last night’s fixture.
“We stand unequivocally with our player and his family, who have the club’s complete support. Racism is abhorrent. It has no place in football or in society, and we condemn this abuse in the strongest possible terms.
“The comments have been reported to the relevant authorities, with whom we will work to ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable.
“This is not the first incident of its kind involving our players, staff and their families this season. The continued targeting of individuals and their loved ones is utterly unacceptable.
“Only last weekend, we stood alongside the EFL in supporting its Together Against Racism campaign. Incidents such as this reinforce why collective action and meaningful consequences remain so important.
“There can be no tolerance, no excuses and no ambiguity when it comes to racism or discrimination of any kind.
“Sheffield Wednesday will continue to stand with those affected and take the strongest possible action against anyone responsible for such abuse.”