Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey was the victim of racist abuse on social media after yesterday’s win over Tottenham
Sunderland have thrown their arm around striker Brian Brobbey, offering him the club’s “full and unwavering support” after he was the target of racist abuse following yesterday’s win over Tottenham.
Brobbey produced another brilliant performance in the Wearsiders’ 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light – Nordi Mukiele’s deflected shot proving the difference – but was targeted on social media after the game.
The Dutchman had a running battle with Spurs captain Cristian Romero throughout the contest which ended when Brobbey nudged the Argentine into goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in the second half. Kinsky was treated for a head injury while Romero had to leave the field in tears with what appeared a knee injury.
It was a nightmare scenario for the relegation-threatened visitors, who slipped into the bottom three following West Ham’s win over Wolves on Friday night.
Sunderland ‘stand with Brian’
A Sunderland statement read: “Sunderland AFC condemns in the strongest possible terms the racist abuse directed at Brian Brobbey on social media following Sunday’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.
“We stand firmly with Brian and offer him our full and unwavering support.
“This is not an isolated incident. Recent abuse directed at Romaine Mundle and Lutsharel Geertruida highlights the ongoing and unacceptable frequency of this behaviour, both inside stadiums and online.
“The club has reported this incident to the Premier League, the relevant social media platforms, and the police, and we expect swift action to be taken against those responsible.
“Racism is abhorrent and has no place in our game or in society, and we will continue to call it out clearly and unapologetically every time it occurs.
“Football must be a safe and inclusive environment for all – without exception.”
Man arrested after Sunderland defender Geertruida racially abused at Newcastle
Sunderland’s victory at arch-rivals Newcastle last month was the first game to be stopped for the Premier League’s anti-discrimination protocol to be implemented.
A 45-year-old man from Gateshead has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and released on police bail pending further investigation.
