Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Racist messages condemned by club
DUNDEE have condemned the vile racist abuse aimed at Jonathan Afolabi after Saturday night’s Scottish Cup victory over Bonnyrigg Rose.
The on-loan Celtic youngster shared seven disgusting messages – sent to him by one individual – on his Instagram story.
In the posts, Afolabi was called the ‘n-word’ and “a f ***** g monkey”.
Fans of the Dark Blues and several other clubs were quick to show their support for the 20-year-old Irish forward on Twitter.
It’s understood Dee have reported the abuse to the social media giant and the club confirmed yesterday that the issue had been reported to police.
They said: “Following last night’s Scottish Cup victory over Bonnyrigg Rose we were made aware of vile racist messages that had been directed to one of our players.
“Dundee Football Club utterly condemns racism in any form.
“Racism has no place in society. We have reported these unacceptable messages and will look into what further steps can be taken.
“Sadly, this isn’t the first incident in the last seven days which has seen one of our players being subjected to abuse.
“After last weekend’s match with Heart of Midlothian, another player received disgusting messages which have also been reported.
“As a club we have zero tolerance for these abusive messages and give our players our full support.”
Afolabi came off the bench to score in the 93rd minute of Saturday’s cup tie to send the game to extra-time.
Fans of the Dark Blues and several other clubs were quick to show their support for the 20-year-old Irish forward on Twitter.
@DensParkChoir said: “This is not on @Dundee FC (please look into this!).
“Disgusting. We’re all with you Jono. This is 2021. There’s no room for this in the world. #SayNoToRacism.”
The popular Dee fan account added: “We take the knee until the message is heard and understood by EVERYONE.
“There is no room for racial discrimination in society let alone football. We stand with Jonathan Afolabi.
“Say. No. To. Racism.”
‘More needs done to eradicate racism’
@peter_mackay_ said: “Jonathan Afolabi shared this on Instagram. Disgusting behaviour. Must be stopped.”
And Dundee United supporter Anish Tewari wrote: “(I’ve) just seen those horrible Instagram messages aimed towards Jonathan Afolabi...disgusting how folk can repeatedly show audacity to harm people who are simply playing the sport they love.
“More needs done to eradicate racism, it’s like we’re going backwards! #SayNoToRacism.”