Sunderland responds after alleged racist abuse is directed at Brian Brobbey online following the Tottenham game

Sunderland have issued a strong statement after alleged racist abuse was directed at striker Brian Brobbey following Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Northumbria Police have confirmed they are investigating reports of alleged discriminatory comments circulating on social media in the aftermath of the game.

The incident is the third involving a Sunderland player in as many months, with alleged abuse also directed at Romaine Mundle following the Fulham fixture in February and Lutsharel Geertruida during last month’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park.

The derby game was briefly halted in the second half after a report of alleged discriminatory abuse from within the crowd, with referee Anthony Taylor pausing play in line with the Premier League’s anti-discrimination protocol. A 45-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

Sunday’s match against Tottenham proved a feisty encounter, with Brobbey at the centre of several flashpoints during Sunderland’s 1-0 win, before the focus shifted to social media activity after full-time. Sunderland have reported the latest alleged incident to the Premier League, the relevant platforms and the police, and have called for swift action to be taken.

In a statement, the club said: “Sunderland AFC condemns in the strongest possible terms the racist abuse directed at Brian Brobbey on social media following Sunday’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. We stand firmly with Brian and offer him our full and unwavering support. This is not an isolated incident. Recent abuse directed at Romaine Mundle and Lutsharel Geertruida highlights the ongoing and unacceptable frequency of this behaviour, both inside stadiums and online.

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“The club has reported this incident to the Premier League, the relevant social media platforms, and the police, and we expect swift action to be taken against those responsible. Racism is abhorrent and has no place in our game or in society, and we will continue to call it out clearly and unapologetically every time it occurs. Football must be a safe and inclusive environment for all - without exception.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm we are looking into reports of discriminatory comments circulating on social media. We condemn all forms of discrimination – it has no place in society and our communities.”

The Premier League also added their own response: “We stand alongside Sunderland in strongly condemning the online racist abuse Brian Brobbey has received and have offered our full support to him and the club. We are disgusted by the ongoing discrimination players are facing on social media and are committed to working with clubs, authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to address this issue, as well as supporting investigations to bring those responsible to justice. Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including custodial sentences, football banning orders and criminal records.”

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