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Sheffield United’s Rhian Brewster racially abused on social media

Sheffield United’s Rhian Brewster has been racially abused on social media with South Yorkshire Police investigating the allegation.

Earlier on Friday, the Blades confirmed they had reported the abuse to Instagram, an app that sees most of the abuse towards footballers normally after a game of football.

Sheffield United are also working with the police in relation to alleged racist comments made towards defender Kyron Gordon following their game at Hull City back in September.

A statement said: “This afternoon (Friday 21 October), we were made aware of an allegation of a racially motivated message being sent to an individual on the evening of Saturday 15 October. Enquiries into the allegation continue at this time.”

CLUB STATEMENT:

It is with regret that we report that striker Rhian Brewster has been the subject of racial abuse via social media.

Rhian is a member of the Blades family and the club is disgusted by the messages, which have been reported to the police and Instagram. He will now be offered support and assistance as we push the relevant authorities to ensure the person behind these posts is brought to justice.

Sheffield United has a zero-tolerance approach to racism and any form of discrimination. It is currently Black History Month and Rhian recently took part in a special podcast alongside fellow players Wes Foderingham and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk to discuss a wide range of topics, including racism in the game today.

Additionally, the club is continuing to support police as we look for a resolution to the alleged racial comments made towards defender Kyron Gordon following the Sky Bet Championship fixture at Hull City in September.

The Football Association urged social media companies to take action to prevent online abuse.

A spokesperson said: “We’re disgusted that yet again racist abuse has been directed towards a player.

“The frequency of these incidents is alarming and we urge social media companies to increase their efforts in prevention and for relevant authorities to take strong action. We stand with you, Rhian.”

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, said it had removed comments aimed at Brewster and deleted accounts of online abusers.

A Meta spokesperson said: “We don’t want racist abuse on Instagram. We removed several comments directed at Rhian Brewster earlier this week for breaking our rules, and we’ve deleted the accounts of the people who posted them.

“We’re also in direct contact with Sheffield United to support however we can, including offering training in how to get the most out of our safety tools.

“While no one thing will fix racism overnight, we want to keep making progress, and just yesterday announced a set of new features to help protect public figures, including the ability to block multiple accounts in one go, and encouraging people to be respectful in direct messages.”

On Monday, Meta said it condemned racist abuse sent to Ivan Toney on Instagram but insisted it couldn’t take action because the message had not been reported within the app.

This is what fans said with Sheffield United’s Rhian Brewster racially abused on social media…

@irnbrujo: They are pathetic cowards. It’s good to see the club go public about this. Solidarity with Rhian ⚔️

@1889bladette: Bloody name them… im sure some blades will deal with it… but im behind you lad its disgusting… Unite together in blades family

@JeanetteAinswo9: Shame on them ⚽️😡😡

@SamBot2k17: Rhian Brewster great player doesn’t deserve the racism

@TSportsKingdom: Name and shame them

@kjtoyne: Disgusting behaviour. Absolutely terrible. What some people think is terribly sad. The knuckle dragging behaviour of some in society makes you question how football can progress

@AlanWri02488607: Give your heads a wobble if you’re involved or condone this. I fully support Rhian. UTB

@eezablade: Name and shame. Justice will take its course

@Mick616161: Let’s get this person or persons named and shamed. They have tried to hide behind social media safety but they must be rooted out and banned from the club.

@GeoffFrancis8: Still loved by all here at Swansea! YJB

@JasonCl06980151: Whoever it was it needs to be sorted absolute disgusting behaviour UTB ⚔️ Hope Rhian is good too please score today ⚔️🔴⚪️⚫️⚔️

@Tearstain: Your our man Rhian @RhianBrewster9. You are a true Blade unlike the scum that sent you the message

@bumpsa21: Absolutely no place in society for this type of discrimination. We stand with you Rhian. ⚔️

@Enrohd_1992: All behind @RhianBrewster9 #Saynotoracism

@Hallowes_Blade: Probably same people wanting Hecky out

@sheff1889: Rhiannnnn Brewster BABBYYYY

@Justin23Rice: I genuinely don’t understand this? I know Racism is all over the place in society but in football terms, why do it? People are quick to celebrate him when he scores but be racist when he doesn’t? #sufc ⚔️

@IngoodNick17: I know racism is rife in football clearly, but I can honestly say with my hand on my heart that I’ve never heard with my own ears any racism home or away in my life. That’s one reason why I am proud to be a blade ⚔️

@acacia_jude: Absolutely disgusting get this person found as soon as possible

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