Sick trolls send Zaha vile abuse over ‘dive’
PALACE STAR’S FAMILY GET DEATH THREATS
WILFRIED Zaha has been subjected to racial abuse on social media following the penalty he won against Arsenal at the weekend.
The vile comments included wishing members of his family would die.
But the Crystal Palace star hit back on Instagram, saying: ‘For all the people taking it one step further and being racist and wishing death on my family I wish your families the best too. My life is still very good despite your hate.’
The attack on Zaha comes less than a fortnight after England and Chelsea midfielder Karen Carney revealed she had been sent death and rape threats on Instagram.
Zaha, 25, sparked debate when accused of going down too easily under a Granit Xhaka challenge in the penalty area during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with the Gunners.
The equaliser in the 83rd minute brought Arsenal’s 11-game winning run to an end and it came a week after Zaha won a spot-kick against Everton. Anti- racism and discrimination charity Kick It Out recently celebrated its 25- year anniversary and they are now working with Palace on the issue.
A Kick It Out spokesperson told Sportsmail: ‘We are aware of the racial abuse directed at Wilfried Zaha and are liaising with the club about it.’
Carney described her abuse as ‘abhorrent, totally unacceptable and very upsetting’. The messages sent to her were reported to the police by her club and the FA.
As of last night, despite the abuse towards Zaha being easily accessible on Instagram, no official complaint had been made to the Metropolitan Police.
Palace face Middlesbrough away tonight in the Carabao Cup fourth round tie and Zaha is in line to be rested by manager Roy Hodgson with their Premier League game against Chelsea this Sunday in mind.