Wilfried Zaha calls out online users after getting sent racist messages

Wilfried Zaha calls out online users via his Twitter account after getting sent racist messages across his social media platforms.

The Premier League forward posted various screenshots of the hate posts sent to him with the caption of ‘woke up to this today’ and the Instagram account ‘jackdolan_avfc’.

Two disgusting messages were included, one on the Klu Klux Klan and another were threats to come to his house if he scores.

Woke up to this today. pic.twitter.com/Zal0F96htJ

— Wilfried Zaha (@wilfriedzaha) July 12, 2020

Zaha was told ‘you better not score tomorrow you black c**n before the poster added ‘or I’ll come to your house dressed as a ghost.’

Just shocking to think someone would send such disgusting hurtful, isn’t it?!

A poster was also sent, showing a picture of a Klu Klux Klan gathering together, this is another threat, and another displaying an edited picture of a box of cornflakes, instead it had the words ‘c**nflakes’ across it and displayed a man with his face blacked up.

West Midlands Police replied to him, saying: “Hi Wilfried, we are looking into who the owner of this account is and would encourage you to report it to your local police force too.”

The incident is just the latest to be highlighted from over the duration of the current campaign, involving managers, players and pundits past and present receiving horrific racist messages on social media.

Just two weeks ago, the Premier League launched a new system online to allow Premier League players to report online abuse with a click of a button.

The system is also available to coaches, managers and family members and the league could pursue legal action on the behalf of any recipient.

Crystal Palace tweeted how disgusted they were after seeing the horrifying abuse sent to their star player, prior to their trip to Villa Park.

‘This is an absolute disgrace and should not be happening,’ a club tweet stated.

‘We stand with you, Wilf, and anyone else who has to suffer such horrific abuse.’

It comes just a few months after Ian Wright called out Instagram user Patrick O’Brien after getting sent disgustingly shocking racist messages by the young male.

The former Arsenal player was left so angry and disappointed that he named and shamed the individual to his Twitter followers.

He wrote: I know I’m not meant to look at them but these messages still hit me so hard man. This is a child!!! “You are a fucking monkey”, “C**t c**n monkey n****r”. Direct message to me from Patrick O’Brien on IG. This kid as a direct line into me & is able to send this without any worry.

Met Police and a police officer have asked whether he wanted to report the incident, something other users have urged him to do.

Messages he received can be seen below…

Unsurprisingly, the racist has since deleted or mate private his social media account including Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram.

Ahead of the Premier League fixture between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, Eagles boss Roy Hodgson praised Zaha, saying: “He’s had some good games during this period and some games where I’m sure that he’ll have said he can do better,” Hodgson was quoted as saying by the Standard.

“The other night he was certainly at the very, very top of his game and I see no reason why he shouldn’t keep that going in the last four games.”

The player has only managed four goals and five assists in 34 Premier League games this season, however Hodgson believes the former Manchester United striker can add to his tally before the campaign ends next month.

“I’m convinced we’re going to see some very good things from him in these last 360-odd minutes,” he continued.

“I’m pretty sure also he’ll be looking to try and add to that tally of goals and assists so at the end of the season he’s got a bit more to show for what he’s done this season.”

Fans gave their support after Wilfried Zaha calls out the online users after getting sent racist messages…

That is disgusting Wilf. They have nothing to do with my club. Please report them to the authorities. I hope you score today and send us down. I’m appalled. So sorry.

— Stewart Hawtin (@Stewie_Villa) July 12, 2020

Has nothing to do with my club
But I’m really sorry Wilf
I hope this gets sorted
Appreciate your bravery in talking about this. You and Wrighty??

— Vayam Lahoti (@VayamLahoti) July 12, 2020

Best way to deal with it score a hat trick give Aston Villa relegation and make him cry

— Chris ?⚽️ (@_Chr1s_04) July 12, 2020

Please bang a goal in today, we’re all with you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kG7NKbm93B

— ? (@UtdMxtt) July 12, 2020

On behalf of rational Villa fans, I apologise. I’d love to say “he’s not a real Villa fan” but to dismiss it like that is to fail to admit it’s a problem every club has. Disowning these twats gets us nowhere. Acceptance and education is our only hope. Keep standing tall.

— Rob Warner (@Real_Rob_Warner) July 12, 2020

How is this still happening in 2020

— Dean Smele (@dsbronx) July 12, 2020

We all stand with you Wilf. Every single Palace fan and I’m sure every level headed, sane human. Nobody deserves that❤️?

— Liam© (@liamb0117) July 12, 2020

That’s the thing, even if he scores 2 own goals today, a black person shouldn’t have to justify his place in society by being great at something, it should be a given.

— Ayanda Booi (@iamayandabooi) July 12, 2020

@AVFCOfficial should be investigating this #disgrace #alwaysOne

— Aidan McDonagh (@AidanMcDonagh1) July 12, 2020

Disgusting. Make sure your report this appropriately and not just raise the vile abuse you have received on here.

— Jacko (@Jackodotcom) July 12, 2020

Fucking disgraceful. Glad you named him. We stand with you Wilf ❤

— Cal ? (@CPFC_Cal) July 12, 2020

This is disgusting, im so sorry that this happened and I’m sickened it’s come from someone who supports my team.

— Dan Bardell (@danbardell) July 12, 2020

These do not represent us decent Villa fans! I’m sorry you had to receive these messages and I hope you’ve reported to the police so the correct action can be taken. #SayNoToRacism

— Scottish Cafu 21 (@21_cafu) July 12, 2020