Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare says it is “unbelievable” that players continue to face racism online after he was targeted on social media following Wolves 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
Arokodare missed a first-half penalty at Selhurst Park, with Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson saving his low effort to the right shortly before the break.
The Nigerian forward later revealed he had been subjected to racist abuse online after the match.
“It’s still unbelievable to me that we’re playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism without any consequences,” Arokodare said in a social media post.
Photo Credit: Imago
“These individuals should have no place in our game and collectively we have to take action to punish everyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are.”
Miss proves costly
Arokodare’s penalty represented Wolves’ clearest opportunity to take control of the contest. Henderson guessed correctly to keep the scores level, summing up a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.
The striker, who has scored twice in 23 league appearances this season, had earlier tested Henderson with a tame strike from distance as Wolves attempted to respond to a bright start from the hosts.
Palace threatened early through Yeremy Pino and Ismaïla Sarr, both of whom went close during the opening exchanges.
Photo Credit: Imago
Wolves task became more difficult just after the hour mark when Ladislav Krejčí was dismissed for a second booking, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
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Substitute Evann Guessand then converted from close range to secure the points and end Palace’s eight-match winless run at home.
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The victory moves Palace up to 13th in the table, while Wolves remain in the relegation zone and are still without a Premier League away win in 16 matches.
