Sunderland and Blackpool condemn 'vile abuse' aimed at Grant Ward on social media following Stadium of Light win

The League One club has slammed the ‘abhorrent, racist abuse’ aimed at Ward on his Instagram account.

The contents of the message are now being investigated by the police.

The message was sent to Ward at 9pm last night, just minutes after Blackpool had sealed a 1-0 win against play-off rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Ward posted a screenshot of the private message sent to his Instagram account.

A Blackpool club statement read: “Blackpool Football Club is appalled by the abhorrent, racist abuse received by Grant Ward following the team’s fixture at Sunderland last night.

“The contents of the message, on his Instagram account, have since been reported to the social media platform and are now being investigated by the police.

“Grant has the club’s full and unwavering support in this matter, as we continue to collectively take a stand in the fight against racism and online hatred.

“Enough is enough.”

The abuse comes just three days before the football community is due to take part in a social media boycott in a bid to combat online discrimination with clubs in the Premier League and EFL among those taking part in the boycott.

Posting on Twitter, Sunderland AFC said: “We utterly condemn the vile abuse directed at Grant Ward following our match against Blackpool.

"We will work closely with the police and football authorities to ensure those responsible are identified and punished for this abhorrent and unacceptable behaviour.

"Enough is enough.”

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