Wolves condemn 'abhorrent,' 'unlawful' abuse of Tolu Arokodare - ESPN

ESPN

by ESPN News Services

February 23, 2026

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Wolves have strongly condemned "abhorrent and unlawful" racist abuse directed at striker Tolu Arokodare following his missed penalty in Sunday's match against Crystal Palace. The club reported that Arokodare was targeted by several social media accounts after the game, with similar incidents involving other players like Romaine Mundle of Sunderland and Wesley Fofana of Chelsea. These cases highlight a disturbing pattern of online discrimination faced by footballers, particularly after high-profile matches. The abuse against Arokodare and others underscores the growing concern over racial harassment in sports, particularly on social media platforms. Clubs are taking firm action, with Wolves vowing to work with authorities to identify perpetrators and ensure consequences for such behavior. Arokodare himself expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, emphasizing that players should not face such hatred for doing their jobs. This issue is not isolated; it reflects a broader problem within football and society at large. Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out notes that while players are increasingly speaking out against racism, the fight against online abuse remains challenging. The cases of Arokodare, Fofana, and Mejbri highlight the need for stronger measures to protect athletes from anonymous harassment. The situation also raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies in addressing online racism. Players like Fofana have criticized the lack of progress in punishing perpetrators, pointing out that campaigns against racism often fail to deliver tangible results. This issue is particularly relevant in 2026, as football continues to grapple with how to eliminate discrimination both on and off the pitch. Ultimately, the abuse faced by Arokodare and others serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against racial intolerance in sports. Clubs, players, and

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026