Forward Chris Wreh refuses to play after claiming his club Tamworth haven’t supported him over racist abuse he received on social media.
He declined to play in Tamworth’s Birmingham Senior Cup third-round match against Boldmere St Michaels on Tuesday, saying it was due to the club’s approach to handling racist abuse he received following their FA Cup third round match against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
Wreh was subjected to racist messages on social media after the game, which Tamworth lost 3-0 in extra time.
Despite the support from fans and acknowledgment from police, Wreh felt that the club did not sufficiently support him in the aftermath of the incident.
This has led to discussions and criticism on social media regarding Tamworth’s response to the situation, with some users expressing disappointment over the club’s lack of support for Wreh.
Staffordshire Police are liaising with Tamworth FC to address the racist abuse, indicating ongoing efforts to deal with the issue.
— CW (@ChrisWreh1) January 14, 2025
Chris Wreh said in a post on his Twitter account: “Good evening everyone –
“I wanted to provide an update following the game over the weekend and the unfortunate incident that occurred afterwards.
“I have been contacted by the Police, and as of now, the incident is under investigation. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Tamworth supporters and members of the public who have reached out to offer their support and assistance in identifying the individual responsible.
“Incidents like this highlight the ongoing issue of racism. It is shameful to be racially abused by someone simply because they lost a bet, but sadly, this happens all too often.
“Unfortunately, I will not be available for this evening’s game. While I have the utmost respect for my manager, who has supported me throughout this issue, I am disappointed that the club has not publicly supported me yet, which has left me feeling confused and disappointed.
“Although we are well compensated to play football and for many it is a dream job, we are also human beings.
To date, I have received only one call from an official at the club, more than 36 hours after the incident. At no point was I asked if I was okay, instead, I was informed that the silence was due to a desire to keep the matter internal. I cannot agree with or condone this approach.
“If these incidents are kept “in-house,” they will never be addressed. I hope everyone understands my reasons for speaking out.” – Chris Wreh
Tamworth said in a warning to supporters prior to Tuesday’s game that they “operate a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of discrimination and abuse, all forms of discriminatory behaviour should be reported by messaging our dedicated security team.”
But it wasn’t until Wednesday until the club release a statement on the racist abuse.
“We are aware of the racial abuse that was sent via direct messenger on social media to our player Chris Wreh after the F.A. Cup match between Tamworth Football Club and Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 12th January 2025.
“Club officials are continuing to liaise with our Dedicated Football Officer and other policing partners to assist with their initial enquiries.
“Representing the Club, First Team Manager Andy Peaks has been and continues to be in communication with Chris throughout this deplorable racial posting which has been recognised by Chris.
“We will continue to support Chris with the extensive work that’s going on behind the scenes to bring the person responsible to justice.
“Tamworth Football Club and its management have and will always support it’s players against any sign of racism or discrimination so all players have trust within the club, for which they have all played a major role in the clubs rapid growth, and recent FA cup run.
“Racist abuse will never be tolerated and will be thoroughly investigated.”
The 28-year-old took to social media after the FA Cup tie and uploaded a screenshot of the abuse which had been sent to him on Instagram.
His post on Twitter, said: “After an amazing day today, this is the last thing I expected to see when I opened Instagram. Nevertheless, thank you for all the support today. Fans were unreal.”
WARNING FOR THE MESSAGE YOU’RE ABOUT TO READ:
The message he received in the screenshot read: “You’re a little n*gger and if I ever catch your little monkey ass I’m gonna turn the tables and do what you n*ggers do best and take steal my £20 I just lost back. Chicken bone sucker.”
Police investigate racist abuse online sent to Tamworth player after FA Cup loss to Tottenham
Twitter users gave their reaction as Chris Wreh refuses to play after claiming Tamworth haven’t supported him over racist abuse…
@Rovalll_: So wait.. Chris Wreh (Your ST) was racially abused, but the club showed no acknowledgment or support, instead opting to tweet numerous Tottenham highlights and their code of conduct? Hahahah this club is a shambles, last time I’ll be visiting for sure
@V_W_Jay: But yet, in stark contrast to this message, you have failed to support your own player who received horrific messages after the match. Instead, leaving it to the wider public to show support. As a non fan, I was proud of u for the game. That’s gone now with how you handled this.
@gfnncl: Practice what you preach
@HappyHopperNE: Two words. Chris Wreh! @BristolStMotors you need to rethink your association with a club who doesn’t publicly support a player who has been racially abused over a failed bet! 😡😡😡
@ChelseaFCSkye: So hopefully you actually address what happened to your own player, Chris Wreh.
@TheExiledRobin: Wow. Shocking from the club and such a shame after everything you all did so well over the weekend. @tamworthfc stand up and face up to these issues and prove you care more about your player and racism than a bit of media upset
@Dave_Hughes: Well done for taking a stand Chris, this is disgusting behaviour that has no place anywhere. Shame on @tamworthfc for not taking robust swift action.
@Rudolphhucker67: I don’t know you this is a situation that seems negative by the club. You’reright there is ABSOLUTELY NO ROOM for racism at any level. You are right to speak out. I’m saddened that in this day and age there is still so much racism in the world. Good luck in this and the future.
@b_z_p1: Have the Tamworth hierarchy been living under a bridge? The bare minimum is to publicly back your player and call it out. They’ve failed at their duty of care to their employee also. Quite disgraceful. Any action they take now is too little too late and feels totally insincere.
@SpencerReds: Absolutely the right thing to do, in a week where everyone has been rooting for Tamworth, this has been really poor from them. I hope you get the support you deserve, likewise the investigation is thorougher to get the suspect as there no place for it in football. All the best.
@Sean_Ginnog: As a Tamworth fan I can only apologise for the lack of support in general the clubs given you Chris! You’re loved by the fans.
@rob_davies: Hope you get the support needed. Football clubs need to show that they are inclusive for all of their fans and staff.
@dangreasby: you mean the same tamworth who are sponsored by the sun and whacked up their ticket prices for the game? who wouldve thought!
@Elliot_2008: The fact this happens in 2025 is terrible. Club should be doing better as well.
@howlindavies: This is the 2nd time this week @tamworthfc has been called out due to handling of events during the game. Ange said Tamworth fans said some pretty disgusting things to him and they haven’t done anything about that and now it’s come out that Christopher Wreh was racially abused
@Lyndsey123078: @kickitout I hope you can offer more support for the abhorrent behaviour this player has encountered. I hope the police find the perpetrator and is dealt with accordingly. There is absolutely no place for this at all. Sending you best wishes Chris.
@oli_g17: simply not good enough from @tamworthfc, this is the type of thing you need to address otherwise we’ll get nowhere. hope you’re doing okay chris 🫶🫶
@CpfcSwaino: Congratulations on the game on the weekend, you lads should be proud of yourselves. No one deserves to receive a message like the one you did, the lad that sent it should be put in jail.
@GraemeBrownlfc: Completely respect your decision Chris and also the fact you speak openly about it when unfortunately your club hasn’t, time for change!!
@whuchlo: massive respect to you for sticking up for what is right but disgraceful you’ve not received the support you deserve from the club. so sorry this has happened to you!
@RyxnThfc: Pathetic from your club tbh

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