Brentford’s Ivan Toney has been racially abused online once again, while rattling Arsenal fans with his social media post.
Toney was criticised by Gunners fans twice for tweeting about Bryan Mbeumo’s foul play on Gabriel in a match he scored a 74th minute equaliser to give the Bees a point against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Leandro Trossard had previously given Mikel Arteta the lead, but the equaliser means Arsenal have not won in any of their three previous matches in all competitions.
Manchester City took advantage to reduce the gap to the top by two points after beating Aston Villa on Sunday.
The referee blew his whistle before Mbeumo’s first-half effort hit the net after he was adjudged to have fouled Arsenal’s Gabriel.
Although contact between the two seemed minimal, the decision went Gabriel’s way.
https://t.co/nMXPQ2xIMg pic.twitter.com/wpfcf7A1iA
— Ivan Toney (@ivantoney24) February 11, 2023
As seen above, Toney posted a GIF showing Kid Cudi looking confused and scratching his heads in response to a tweet that contained a clip of the incident.
This was in response to Arsenal complaining at Toney’s late equaliser, which could have repercussions in the Premier League title race as the gap closes.
Brentford’s Christian Norgaard appeared offside, but the goal was allowed stand, leading to anger from Arteta.
Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “I’ve just looked at it back, and it is offside,” he said.
“If we apply what the referee tells us every single week before the game. If you are the blocker then you are offside. It’s offside.”
🗣️ “It is offside. They will probably give an explanation later in the week.”
Mikel Arteta says the Brentford goal was offside and Arsenal will speak to the Premier League to discuss the decisions in the game as always following VAR official Lee Mason’s blunder at the Emirates. pic.twitter.com/wkj8DUHVHj
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 12, 2023
This is not the first time Toney has upset Arsenal fans with his social media posts.
After the 2021 meeting between the two sides, Toney issued a tweet saying “Nice kickabout with the boys” with the Bees winning 2-0 against the Gunners.
Menwhile, Brentford were “disgusted and saddened” by “abusive, racist messages” sent to Ivan Toney following the game.
The club said the 26-year-old received a number of direct messages to his Instagram account.
In January, a man admitted a charge of sending an offensive message and apologised in court to Toney. But what is actually being done by social media giants to stamp this out. Reporting it doesn’t always solve it. New accounts can be made and it continues. Or the abuser can carry on doing to other footballers.
BRENTFORD STATEMENT
Immediately after Brentford’s game against Arsenal, Ivan Toney received a barrage of abusive, racist direct messages via his Instagram account.
We are disgusted and saddened that Ivan has had to deal with this yet again.
We will not tolerate it and we will do everything we can to pursue the individuals involved.
Ivan was subject to similar abuse in October last year, and the perpetrator is now facing the consequences in court.
How many times does this need to happen?
We call on football fans everywhere to relish the competition and rivalry that exists between us, but to respect and embrace our differences and celebrate the diversity that exists throughout the Premier League.
There is no room for racism.
In a statement, Arsenal said: “We stand with Ivan Toney and are working with Brentford to identify those who sent racist abuse.
“At Arsenal we condemn all forms of discrimination and take a zero-tolerance approach. We will apply the strongest possible action to anyone we can identify sending hateful messages.”
@FAspokesperson tweeted: “We strongly condemn the racist abuse aimed at Ivan Toney on social media. The perpetrators must face real life consequences for their actions, and we support strong action from the authorities and the social media companies to tackle this abhorrent and unacceptable behaviour.”
A Kick It Out spokesperson said: “We are disappointed to be commenting on more social media abuse but this vile, shameful behaviour has to end.
“No one should be expected to deal with any form of discrimination, let alone the continued barrage of racism that Ivan Toney has been subjected to.
“It has no place in our game, and no place in our society.
“How much more online abuse should we ask players to endure before social media companies and the government step up to tackle this problem?
“This latest incident shows once again why social media companies need to introduce meaningful reforms that protect those who play, watch and work in football.
“That includes a default option for hate filters being ‘on’, meaning people only see that content if they switch the filter ‘off’.
“We are disgusted by this abhorrent racism and will continue to work with partners across football to ensure that swift and appropriate action is taken against anyone responsible for perpetrating discriminatory abuse.
“We urge the government to act swiftly to pass legislation that protects people from online abuse.”
In October, Toney published a screenshot of abuse he received on Twitter, leading police to investigate.
Antonio Neill, 24, of Blyth, Northumberland, admitted a charge of sending an offensive message to the footballer and will be sentenced next month.
SEE MORE: 24 year old man who sent racist message to Ivan Toney apologises in front of court judge
As mentioned, Brentford’s Ivan Toney was racially abused online while rattling Arsenal fans with his social media post…
@hendrykusumaa: Man scored offside goal but still blame the ref 😭😭
@darren_m_sage: Another pro footballer not accepting a refs decision… shock… @refsupportuk
@dannyslaterback: You’re 27. U play for Brentford.
@kyle_grindell: Do disrespect mate but they’ve confirmed they “forgot” to draw the offside lines for your goal. So let’s just not talk about it.
@bbuick4: Scored an offside goal??
@GoonerRichyB80: A professional PL footballer not understanding how VAR works
@mirasi123: Was disallowed because you fouled someone mate. Enjoy it whilst it lasts. Nice juicy ban coming
@J_AFC14: Can’t wait for the FA to get your Bet365 password
@Cainn04: Shame you must’ve had a bet on it
@accountfm: What makes this even funnier is how clear of a foul it is. Literally rips him down with his shirt. Yet your goal was offside? Don’t even know how your still on the pitch IBET.
@AFC__CAL: Scored an offside goal but complaining about refereeing 😵💫😵💫 give your head a wobble
@sportnut100: These people might say they are fans but they don’t represent Arsenal. Ivan Toney is a top class player and any club be proud to have him play for them. You can only apologise to him and pass on your admiration for him as a player
@Arsenalnewschan: Horrendous to see.
@afcthms: We have one of the most diverse fanbases in the world. Those who racially abused Toney are not Arsenal and never will be. Hopefully they get what they deserve.
@TheatreofDrea14: This continues to happen. Lack of action has taken matter to a further level. Be strong Ivan 👍🏻
@eclecta: As an Arsenal fan, I am disgusted that ANY player has to deal with this. Please give Ivan my respectful regards and apologies on behalf of Arsenal fans everywhere.
@lfcriggs: Fine and arrest those who are cowards racially abusing people online. Harsher punishments must be enforced to do something about this.
@robined1: Any Arsenal fans who did this should be ashamed of themselves. Of course I would have liked a different result, but we can’t deny how hard Brentford played especially Toney who has become a nightmare for defenders in his late career resurgance.
@roypsb: Appalled and very surprised to see this from Arsenal fans who have a particularly diverse fanbase. Shameful 🙁
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