Aston Villa have gone to the police after their Irish player Tyreik Wright was subjected to racist abuse.
The Republic of Ireland Under-19 star - who is currently on loan at Walsall - was targeted on social media last night.
Cork lad Wright, 19, had posted a news story about school children facing no criminal charges over the racially-motivated attack of another student
But he was then bombarded with vile, racist messages on Instagram which he made public to highlight the abuse.
Wright briefly engaged with the troll to say that ‘surely you know it’s wrong’ (to send messages like that).
Premier League side Villa have today offered their full backing to the highly-rated winger.
“Aston Villa Football Club is appalled by the racist abuse of one of our academy players, Tyreik Wright,” read a club statement.
“Tyreik, who is currently on loan at Walsall, received sickening and abhorrent messages via his Instagram account, messages which the club have reported to both the social media platform and West Midlands Police.
“The Club is liaising with WMP’s Hate Crime Unit who are now investigating this incident.
“Aston Villa will work alongside Walsall FC to provide Tyreik with any support he requires and will continue to do everything we can to report and help root out all forms of discrimination.”
And Wright’s loan club Walsall said: “Walsall Football Club are appalled by the racist abuse on loan winger Tyreik Wright has received online.
“As soon as we were made aware of the abhorrent messages, sent to him via Instagram, we spoke with Tyreik and his parent club, Aston Villa, and reported it to West Midlands Police and their Hate Crime Unit.
“The Club will work alongside Aston Villa and West Midlands Police to assist with the investigation and provide Tyreik with all the support he needs.
“Walsall Football Club will not tolerate racism or discrimination in any shape or form."
