Sheffield United’s Rhian Brewster the latest player to suffer racist abuse on social media

The 20-year-old former Liverpool forward has made public an abusive message he received

Rhian Brewster in action for Sheffield United (Reuters)

Sheffield United striker Rhian Brewster has revealed he has become the latest footballer to suffer racial abuse on social media.

The 20-year-old former Liverpool forward has made public an abusive message he received on his Instagram account. United have thrown their support behind the player and called on authorities to take action.

The Blades tweeted: “As a club we applaud Rhian for bringing the disgusting message sent to him to light. We will now support him and work with him, the Premier League and all the relevant authorities to ensure the person behind this post is brought to justice.”

The Premier League also backed the player and the club’s stance.

“The #PL stands alongside SheffieldUnited and Rhian Brewster in opposing this abuse and discrimination. There is #NoRoomForRacism in football, or anywhere,” it tweeted.

Instagram’s owner Facebook announced last month it would impose stricter penalties on perpetrators of abuse, including removing accounts.

Read more:

• Cheltenham Festival 2021 day four tips and best bets
• Chris Kamara to undergo brain scan to test for dementia
• Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has a decision to make as Jose Mourinho’s reign reaches new low

Instagram did not comment directly on the Brewster issue when contacted but said players are urged to report such matters to them so their procedures can be initiated.

It said attacks on protected characteristics including race, religion, nationality and sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

Brewster is one of a number of players to have been racially abused on social media in recent months, including Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Axel Tuanzebe, Antonio Rudiger, Reece James and Eddie Nketiah.

PA