Excl: ‘Absolutely absurd’ – ex-Super Eagles star speaks out on shocking abuse aimed at Wolves’ forward

Former Super Eagles striker and UEFA-licensed coach Peter Ijeh has condemned the racist abuse targeted at Tolu Arokodare, Afrik Foot reports.

This followed several social media abuses aimed at him following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Nigerian forward was abused online after missing a first-half penalty, sparking outrage across the football community.

The incident has sparked calls for stricter action against online racism in football, with fans, clubs, and football personalities demanding accountability for those behind the abusive messages.

Peter Ijeh: Ex-Super Eagles star condemns racial abuse

Peter Ijeh described the attacks on Arokodare as absolutely absurd and said racism reflects a deficiency in character.

“Tolu Arokodare’s racial abuses by the fans are absolutely absurd. I believe racism is absolutely a deficiency syndrome, and the partakers are of low self-esteem” he told Afrik Foot.

“There should be no place for racism in football online, whether on or off the pitch.”

He stressed that such behaviour has no place in football or society and called for immediate penalties for those involved.

“It should be tagged as an unlawful behaviour and an instant penalty to those involved in the act.”

“In this dispensation of time and globalisation, no player or human of different Genres should be subjected to such hatred for doing their job.”

Wolves’ official statement

Wolverhampton Wanderers confirmed that they have reported the abusive posts to the relevant social media platforms and are working with the Premier League and authorities to identify the offenders.

The club reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and emphasized that Arokodare has its full support.

Part of the statement reads:

“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.”

What happened at Selhurst Park?

The abuse followed Arokodare’s missed penalty in Wolves’ 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Multiple social media accounts targeted him with racist messages, which have prompted condemnation from the club and former players.