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Chelsea disgusted by online racist abuse aimed at James
Chelsea have condemned online racist abuse aimed at defender Reece James and called on social media platforms to take tougher action against users who engage in such 'despicable behaviour'.
England international James posted a screenshot of the abusive messages he received on Instagram with the caption 'something needs to change'.
"Everyone at Chelsea is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening," the Premier League club said in a statement.
"This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour unacceptable."
West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers, and Manchester United duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were also the victims of online racial abuse this week.
Chelsea said social media must create an environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are not tolerated.
"We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour," Chelsea said.
"Something needs to change and it needs to change now."
UK government ministers met top English players on Monday to discuss online abuse and discrimination as part of a series of 'Future of Football' discussions.
Chelsea, who are eighth in the table with 30 points from 20 games, host Burnley on Sunday.
Solskjaer condemns 'disgusting' online racist abuse aimed at Man United duo
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called for media platforms to take action against users who posted racist abuse to Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial following Wednesday's shock 2-1 Premier League home defeat by Sheffield United.
United academy graduate Tuanzebe and France forward Martial were targeted by some users on Instagram, with several users posting racist comments and symbols on their pictures.
Solskjaer said the Premier League must continue to back anti-racism campaigns and expressed his disgust at the vile abuse the two players endured.
"It's just incredible we have these scenes still, this abuse in 2021," Solskjaer told a news conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Arsenal.
"We've been campaigning for a long time now with the Premier League and I think it's working, but there are still some people that haven't got it. They hide behind social media, be anonymous and it's unacceptable and it's disgusting."
"They're not Man United fans when this happens. We're all standing behind every single one of our players."
Solskjaer has cleared Jesse Lingard to join West Ham United on loan for the remainder of the season but stressed the move did not spell the end of the English forward's future at Old Trafford.
"We want him to come back to us revitalised," Solskjaer said. "The aim is for him to go there and show what a good player he is. We want him to enjoy himself and come back to us."
West Brom contact police after Sawyers suffers racist abuse
West Bromwich Albion said on Friday they had contacted police and would seek the toughest possible punishment after midfielder Romaine Sawyers was racially abused on social media.
The club said in a statement a racist message was sent to the Saint Kitts and Nevis international during West Brom's 5-0 Premier League home defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.
"Everyone at the club is appalled by the abhorrent message," it added.
"The club has a proud history of confronting all forms of discrimination and will assist the authorities with their inquiries, seeking the toughest available legal punishment, as well as a lifetime ban from The Hawthorns for the individual responsible.
"There is No Room for Racism. Anywhere. Challenge it, report it, change it."
Government ministers met top English players on Monday to discuss online abuse and discrimination as part of a series of 'Future of Football' discussions.
