Premier League chiefs today vowed to take against against the racists who targeted Newcastle United star Joe Wilock. It came after the club reported the comments made online in the aftermath of United's 2-1 home defeat to Fulham on Saturday. In a statement, the Premier League said: "We are appalled by the abuse received by Joe Willock. We are working with the club and authorities to support Joe. "We will investigate and where possible take action against any individual we are able to identify." The comments had already been reported to police by the club.

The former Arsenal midfielder received sickening messages on Instagram after the club's 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday. United reported the matter to Northumbria Police as campaigners, his team mates and fans condemned the comments. Ged Grebby, of 'Show Racism the Red Card', said: "It is a real shame that players are being forced off social media sites like Instagram as a result of this kind of abuse. It should be a safe platform for them, without being singled out for attack.

"The problem persists. It is all the rage now to blame immigrants for problems in the world. Yet they are some of the most disadvantaged people on earth. Social media has become a cesspit because people take their lead from the likes of Donald Trump and Elon Musk.". He said that recent research had shown 16 percent of people in the UK support Tommy Robinson, one of the UK's prominent far right activists. "That is a scary stat," added Grebby.

Willock, 25, was a second-half substitute and missed a chance to put Newcastle 2-1 up before Rodrigo Muniz scored late on to secure victory for Fulham. Willock shared screenshots of some of the abuse. Newcastle called for action from social media companies to prevent players receiving such messages. "Newcastle United strongly condemns the appalling racist abuse received by Joe Willock on Instagram on Saturday evening. There is no room for racism anywhere," the club said. "Joe has been given the club's full support and we will continue to do all we can to ensure the welfare of our players, staff and supporters.

"The club has reported the abuse to Meta, the owners of Instagram, and urges all social media companies to do more to eradicate this behaviour from their platforms. The club has also reported the abuse to the police, and will support the strongest possible action against those responsible." Willock's Newcastle team-mate Alexander Isak posted on X: "We win together, we lose together! Always with you brother Joe Willock. There's no room for racism.".

One fan commented: "Cannot believe it in this day and age." News of Willock's abuse comes a week after police began an investigation into "threats and abuse" directed at referee Michael Oliver. He sent off Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly in their win at Wolves. Police are investigating abuse received by the wife of Gunners striker Kai Havertz, including threats to the couple's unborn child, following the club's FA Cup defeat to Man United at the start of January.

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With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the upcoming Premier League season with crystal clear picture quality. "The club has reported the abuse to Meta, the owners of Instagram, and urges all social media companies to do more to eradicate this behaviour from their platforms. The club has also reported the abuse to the police, and will support the strongest possible action against those responsible.".