Swansea striker calls for action over online racist abuse
MORGAN Whittaker has become the latest footballer to call for action from social media companies after he suffered racial abuse following Swansea’s victory over Derby at the weekend.
The 20-year-old striker was targeted after scoring against his former club and is the fourth Swans player to be racially abused on social media since February.
The abuse came on the weekend when football clubs and other sporting bodies were boycotting social media because of a lack of action in combatting the issue.
Whittaker wrote on Twitter: “I am disappointed, but not surprised. I will always be proud of my skin colour, no matter what. Social media has to do something to stop this kind of abuse from happening.” Whittaker’s team-mates Yan Dhanda, Ben Cabango and Jamal Lowe have all suffered recent racial abuse online.
Swansea said in a statement this week: “Swansea City is saddened, angry and appalled by vile racist abuse received by Morgan Whittaker via social media following Saturday’s game against Derby County.
“The abuse in question has been reported to South Wales Police and the club is assisting them in their investigation.
“The fact that this has happened across a period where clubs, players and stakeholders have come together for a boycott of social media for this very reason again shows just how much work still needs to be done.”
A statement from South Wales Police said: “South Wales Police is investigating the origin of racially motivated social media posts aimed at a Swansea City footballer following the club’s match against Derby County this weekend.
“Tackling hate crime has always been a priority for South Wales Police – this behaviour is something that will not be tolerated in our community.”