Bright Osayi-Samuel has disclosed racial slurs were directed at him after his team, Queen’s Park Rangers were held to a draw against Norwich City.
Osayi-Samuel, born in Nigeria, has been an impressive member of the QPR team this season, completing the highest number of take-ons so far in the league.
After the stalemate against Norwich, a supposed fan of the club or bettor directed racist jibes against him.
Osayi-Samuel said it was “disgusting and painful” to receive messages like that.
QPR condemned the act against its winger in totality and called on social media platforms to protect their users.
“We completely deplore the abhorrent abuse Bright has been subjected to.
“It astounds me that people feel they can freely post such comments without any fear of reprisal.
“We are working with Instagram and asking them to assist us in identifying the individual concerned.
“I do feel social media platforms have a duty of care to its users who are victimised in this way.”
Instagram, where the incident was recorded also promised to act accordingly on the issue.
QPR Director of football, Les Ferdinand said issues like racism are becoming common in football and must be stamped out quickly.
“This type of abuse on social media is too commonplace and has to stop.
“In a society that now rightly places greater importance on mental wellbeing than ever before, how can people be able to set up anonymous social media accounts?
“This will continue and continue until we stop it from being possible.
“I believe governing bodies across sports – not just football – need to come together to create a powerful voice which calls for social media platforms to change their stance.”
