Wolves have launched a furious investigation after striker Tolu Arokodare was bombarded with sick racist abuse following Sunday’s gutting 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
The Molineux outfit released a blistering statement confirming they’re “disgusted by numerous instances of racist abuse, from multiple perpetrators” aimed at the Nigerian hitman on social media after the final whistle.
“There is no place for racism in football, online, or anywhere in society,” the club thundered. “We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms.”
Arokodare, 23, endured a day to forget at Selhurst Park. He saw a first half penalty saved by Dean Henderson after Mateus Mané was hauled down, a miss that proved decisive when Evann Guessand stabbed home a 90th minute winner for the hosts.
But whatever happened on the pitch, the vile online pile on has nothing to do with football. Wolves made that crystal clear.
The club confirmed they’ve reported the posts to the relevant platforms and are working with the Premier League and Old Bill to identify the cowards hiding behind keyboards. They’ve thrown their full support behind the big man, stressing no player deserves hatred for simply doing his job.
For Arokodare, it’s another kick in the teeth during a season from hell. Wolves are staring relegation square in the face, winless in 16 away league matches and 19 points adrift of safety with just 10 games left. The great escape looks more like a slow march to the Championship.
The timing couldn’t be worse for a player also fighting to resurrect his international career. Arokodare was axed from Nigeria’s final AFCON squad despite making the provisional list, a decision he admitted wasn’t surprising given his limited minutes at the time.
Now he’s getting regular game time and trying to force his way back into the Super Eagles set up. Days like Sunday don’t help, but the vile abuse aimed his way has nothing to do with form or missed penalties.
It’s just hatred. Pure and simple.
Wolves have promised to hunt down the culprits. Football fans across the country will be hoping they succeed.
