Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Rud: Firms cash in on racist hate
CHELSEA star Antonio Rudiger has blasted social media companies for not stamping out racist abuse – accusing them of putting their profits first. German international Rudiger revealed he is the latest Premier League player to be targeted by racist attacks online. It is the second time in a week a Chelsea player has been racially abused after England’s Reece James. Both matters are with the police, while club owner Roman Abramovich, in an open letter to the team, has vowed to fight – and fund – their battle against the racists. And Rudiger – branded a traitor by some Chelsea fans after Frank Lampard’s sacking – reckons social media platforms show no interest in catching the racists because they are making money through them as users. Asked if Twitter and others need to do more, the Blues defender, 27, said: “At the end of the day, if more people are making accounts, they make money off it. “So, personally, I don’t think these firms care. “It’s hard to tell if people will change. I feel sorry about that. But I feel more sorry for people attacked who are not so strong, as this type of abuse really affects them.” Rudiger was out of favour in Lampard’s final months but has been recalled by new boss Thomas Tuchel. That has led to some fans blaming him for Lampard’s exit – and firing a barrage of racist posts. Rudiger, 27, said: “I cannot control people, their emotions – and I don’t want to. But what I can say is people should be human beings. I didn’t post anything, but the racial abuse was immense. “It makes me stronger. “They can say what they want. I know that I didn’t do anything.”