NEWCASTLE slammed the racist abuse of Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock following their controversial 1-0 win over Arsenal.
The pair were both targeted by sick messages on social media.
It is the latest depressing instance of footballers receiving vile and disgusting hate online.
Newcastle released a statement about the incident this morning.
The Magpies said: “Newcastle United strongly condemns racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock via social media following yesterday’s victory over Arsenal.
“Our message is clear. There is no room for racism in football or society.
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“We are providing support to Bruno and Joe and will work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account.”
Kick It Out – the organisation fighting to end discrimination in football – also hit out at social media companies for the lack of safeguarding for players against abuse.
The charity wrote: “We send our support to Newcastle’s Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes after they became the latest players to be targeted with disgusting racial abuse on social media.
“Sadly, this has been an almost weekly occurrence this season, and the costs on players’ mental health are huge.
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“That is why the new Online Safety Act must click into gear as soon as possible so that players are better protected.
“Social media companies cannot continue to allow this to happen without consequence, but they can offer better safeguards right now.”
Guimaraes, 25, played the full 90 minutes in the hot-tempered clash at St James’ Park and was involved in various flashpoints.
He escaped any punishment for catching Jorginho on the back of the head with his forearm and again suffered no consequence for shoving Declan Rice.
However, the Brazilian did pick up a yellow card in the 88th minute for a stray hand to push Fabio Vieira to the ground.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Willock, meanwhile, came off the bench to replace Callum Wilson just after the hour mark.
Just moments later, he was heavily involved as Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the game after a four-minute VAR check.
Eventually the goal was given after it was deemed Willock kept the ball in play by the corner flag and there was no foul on Gabriel Magalhaes, no handball by Joelinton and Gordon was onside.
‘FIND THIS PERSON’
The decision, though, left Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta raging as he fumed he was “ashamed” at the “absolute disgrace” of the decision to allow the winner to stand.
Piers Morgan also laid into the “pathetic” outcome as furious Gunners fans also vented their anger.
However, in the aftermath, it also became clear some of the comments on social media had an abhorrent racist message.
Willock shared two screenshots of abuse he was sent on Instagram to his story.
The 24-year-old said: “It’s a game of football mate no need for this.
“@instagram please find this person.”
Willock then shared a post displaying the message: “Show racism the red card.”
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The horrific slurs come just days after a Gillingham supporter was arrested and banned for life.
The fan directed a racist taunt from the front of the stand at Newport star Omar Bogle, imitating a monkey.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
