Sport

Sunderland condemn racist abuse of Brobbey

Elizabeth Hernandez April 13, 2026

Sunderland Addresses Racist Abuse Directed at Brobbey

Sunderland has issued a strong statement against the racist abuse targeted at forward Brian Brobbey on social media, following his team’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Tottenham. The club emphasized that the incident underscores the “ongoing and unacceptable frequency” of such behavior in football. Brobbey, who has netted six goals in 25 league appearances this term, was reported to the Premier League, social media platforms, and police, with Sunderland calling for immediate action against those responsible.

Club’s Support and Brobbey’s Impact

Brian Brobbey is the latest player to face a wave of online racist slurs this season, joining a list that includes teammate Romaine Mundle and others. In February, four players were targeted in a single weekend, with the abuse escalating to such levels that a man was arrested for sending racial threats toward Lutsharel Geertruida during a match at Newcastle United in March. The game was halted by the referee as part of the Premier League’s anti-discrimination measures.

“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 behavior, both inside stadiums and online. 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.”

Premier League’s Commitment

The Premier League echoed Sunderland’s stance, condemning the racial discrimination players endure on social media. In a statement, they noted their resolve to collaborate with clubs, authorities, law enforcement, and social media companies to resolve the issue. “Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including custodial sentences, football banning orders, and criminal records,” the league added.

During the match, Brobbey was involved in a second-half clash where he accidentally sent Tottenham defender Cristian Romero into his own goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky. The incident left Romero visibly distressed as he left the field in tears. The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) is investigating the abuse of four players in February, which also involved Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare.

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out reported a record high in online abuse, with a third more incidents compared to the previous season. Mike Ankers, deputy director of the UKFPU, noted a 115% increase in abuse reports. Last November, a BBC investigation revealed over 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts—some containing death and rape threats—were sent about Premier League and Women’s Super League figures in a single weekend. The season opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth in August was interrupted after Antoine Semenyo reported racial abuse from an Anfield spectator.