'Disgusted' - Newcastle United release statement as police contacted after post-Crystal Palace incident
Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock was subject to disgusting abuse on social media after the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United have released a statement in response to the disgusting abuse Joe Willock received on Instagram on Sunday night.
Following the Magpies’ 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, Willock shared screenshots from an account sending racial slurs and deeply disturbing threats of violence towards him and his family.
“I pray you and your family find God. And may him have mercy on you,” Willock replied. Now the matter has been escalated to the police, with Newcastle calling for Meta, Instagram’s owners, to take “meaningful action”.
‘Disgusted’ - Newcastle United release statement after Joe Willock abuse
“We are disgusted by racist abuse received by Joe Willock on Instagram on Sunday evening,” a club statement read.
“Following our win over Crystal Palace, Joe received several direct messages from an Instagram account that included racial slurs and deeply disturbing threats of violence towards Joe and his family.
“Sadly, Joe has faced this before. Each time, we have acted quickly to support him and that has been our immediate priority again.
“We have swiftly reported this matter to the police and we will fully support any investigation to identify the person responsible and hold them accountable, wherever they are.
“This can only happen with meaningful action from Meta, Instagram's owners. We urge Meta to give the police all the information they need to identify the perpetrator, and to do so quickly.
“Removing content and applying message filters is not enough. Social media companies must do more to protect users and support the prosecution of those who seek to break the law on their platforms.
“We stand firmly with Joe and anyone else who faces this kind of abuse.”
This isn’t the first time
It was just under a year ago when Newcastle were first forced to contact the police regarding Willock after he was racially abused following the 2-1 defeat to Fulham at St James’ Park.
Reflecting on the incident, Willock said: "It's definitely been tough. When you have a good family around you, team-mates who are like your family and a manager you can speak to about anything, it makes it so much easier.
"The day after, we had the meeting in his [Eddie Howe's] office straight away. He gave me comfort and we spoke about it. This is why I have so much respect for the manager and team.
"I want to give everything for this badge because they have helped me through the hardest of times."