Calls for grassroots clubs to tackle racism after Wolves player suffers online abuse
Tolu Arokodare received racial abuse online after having a penalty saved
There are calls for clubs to tackle racism from the grassroot level up, after Wolves player Tolu Arokodare was sent online abuse over the weekend.
He is one of a number of Premier League players who have reported abuse. The UK's Football Policing Unit has said they are investigating.
'They do not feel sport is inclusive enough...'
Energize is an active partnership that covers Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Their mission is to break down any societal barriers that stop people from engaging in an active lifestyle.
In light of the racist abuse sent to Tolu Arokodare, Harry Cade, their Director of Inclusion said: "Unfortunately we are aware of sections of people who are less active because they do not feel sport is inclusive enough for them.
"This includes people from ethnically diverse communities, but also women and girls and people with disabilities," he said.
'Being active should be for everybody'
Harry told us about how Energize is working to tackle the problem from the bottom-up: "It is all about educating people at the grassroots level. We hope that will then filter up as people age and get those opportunities at a regional or national level.
"Especially when we have sports events for children and young people, we make sure there are 'respect marshalls' to ensure supporters and spectators are being respectful to those that are playing.
"Being active should be for everybody. We are fully aware of the physical and wellbeing aspects of physical activity and how that can provide people with a healthier and happier life," he said.
'There is no place for racism'
In response to the messages sent to Tolu over the weekend, Wolves said: "There is no place for racism – in football, online, or anywhere in society. We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
"Tolu has our full and unwavering support. No player should be subjected to such hatred simply for doing their job. We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting with apparent impunity.
"The club has reported the posts to the relevant platforms and will work with the Premier League and the authorities to help identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken. We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination."