Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has been subjected to racial abuse on social media following his missed penalty and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1–0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace. Wolves have publicly condemned the discriminatory attacks aimed at the Nigerian forward.
The abuse came after Arokodare’s first-half penalty was saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, with anonymous accounts on platforms like Instagram directing racist slurs and messages at him in the aftermath of the game.
Wolves labelled the abuse “abhorrent and unlawful” in an official statement and affirmed their full support for Arokodare, condemning racism “in football, online, or anywhere in society.” The club said it has reported the offensive messages to relevant platforms and is working with authorities and the Premier League to identify those responsible.
Arokodare himself spoke out, calling the racist reactions “unbelievable” and insisting that those responsible should face consequences, saying such behaviour has “no place in our game.”
Editorial
The racist abuse directed at Tolu Arokodare highlights an ongoing and troubling issue in football where players are targeted online over performance outcomes. Despite widespread anti-racism campaigns, incidents like this show that social media continues to be a platform where discriminatory behaviour persists. Wolves’ strong condemnation and reporting of the abuse represent an important stance from the club, reinforcing zero tolerance for racism.
For Nigerian fans and football communities worldwide, the situation is a stark reminder that support for players should never cross into abuse racial or otherwise. Arokodare’s response, as well as backing from Wolves and wider Premier League stakeholders, underlines the need for collective action to hold perpetrators accountable and protect players every level of the sport.
As football authorities and technology platforms work to identify those responsible, this episode underscores the importance of continued vigilance and stronger safeguards against online hate. Tackling racism effectively will require cooperation between clubs, leagues, law enforcement, and social networks to ensure that football remains inclusive and respectful.
Did You Know?
- Tolu Arokodare missed a first-half penalty in Wolves’ 1–0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace before the abuse.
- He was targeted with racist messages on social media platforms following the match.
- Wolves described the abuse as “abhorrent and unlawful” and affirmed full support for their striker.
- Arokodare joined Wolves from KRC Genk and is also a Super Eagles forward.
- Racist abuse incidents also affected other Premier League players over the same weekend, prompting broader condemnations.
