Newcastle contact police after Willock receives racist abuse

After Joe Willock was the subject of “disgusting” racial abuse and “deeply disturbing threats” on social media, Newcastle United contacted the police.

Following his side’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, Willock was the target of an unidentified Instagram account.

Late in the second half of the game, the substitute missed a chance to score and then posted a screengrab highlighting a series of hateful private messages he received from a social media user.

The club responded, “We are disgusted by racist abuse that Joe Willock received on Sunday evening on Instagram.”

“Joe received a number of direct messages from an Instagram account that contained racial slurs and incredibly disturbing threats of violence against him and his family following our victory over Crystal Palace,” Joe wrote.

Willock wrote, “I pray you and your family find God,” in response to the messages. And may he be merciful to you.

Willock has highlighted the racist comments he has received on Instagram for the second time in less than a year.

After Willock was targeted on the social media platform after losing to Fulham 2-1 in February, Newcastle had previously contacted the police.

The club argued that removing content and using message filters was insufficient, and that the organization has urged social media companies to do more to “protect users and support the prosecution of those who attempt to break the law on their platforms.”

The club stated, “Sadly, Joe has encountered this before. We have always been quick to support him, and that has always been our top priority.

We immediately alerted the police to this situation, and we will support any investigation that seeks to find the person responsible and hold them accountable wherever they are.

“This can only occur when Meta, the Instagram owners, take meaningful action.” We urge Meta to provide the authorities with all necessary information in a timely manner.

Northumbria Police confirmed that the force was working with the UK Football Police Unit as part of an investigation.

A spokesperson said, “We condemn all forms of discrimination; it has no place in our societies or our communities.”

The leading anti-racism educational charity Show Racism the Red Card’s campaign co-ordinator, Richard Offiong, found it “distressing” to see Willock repeatedly receive “abhorrent abuse.”

The incident, according to the former Newcastle academy player, highlighted the “urgent need” for social media companies to “far more” to combat racist abuse on their platforms.

He said “sheer measures are required to quickly identify perpetrators, remove harmful content, and ensure that those responsible face real consequences.”

If we are going to tackle racism seriously, education, accountability, and effective enforcement must go hand in hand.

Kick It Out’s spokesman said he was “disgusted to hear of the vile racism” being directed at Willock.

He continued, “We stand alongside him in his fervent condemnation of this behavior.” However, those who can prevent it must take action to stop it.

There is no sign of a rise in online abuse being reported to us this season.

Social media companies must work harder to offer better protections for users, and offenders must be held accountable. Current safeguards are not effective, as this abuse demonstrates.