Newcastle United are doing everything within their power to identify the fan who sent Wilfried Zaha racially-aggravated abuse on social media in the wake of Crystal Palace's 1-0 win at St. James' Park on Saturday.
The Ivorian forward called out the message - which has since been deleted - calling him a "diving monkey" and Newcastle are searching their database and working on anonymous tip-offs to help identify the offender.
Zaha was just one victim of a number of concerning racist incidents on a weekend that followed a month of surging abuse against black players.
It has been a week to disgrace football with Moise Kean of Juventus subjected to racist abuse by Cagliari fans, England international Danny Rose admitting he “can’t wait to see the back of football” because of racism in the game.
On Saturday, Wigan Athletic released a statement revealing they had reported abuse received by winger Nathan Byrne to local police as a hate crime, while a Brentford supporter was arrested for allegedly committing “a racially-aggravated public order offence” in a confrontation with a Derby player.
Kick It Out were forced to release yet another statement condemning the latest flurry of incidents.
“Another week, another group of players racially abused,” it read.
“We won’t stop highlighting this disgraceful behaviour while it remains deeply ingrained within football. We’ll be liaising with the relevant authorities and offering support to clubs and players involved.”
For Zaha, it was the second time this season that the versatile forward found himself the target of racist abuse and death threats after he starred in Palace’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
“For all the people being racist and wishing death on my family I wish you and your families the best too,” he wrote on Instagram.
“My life is still very good despite your hate.”
