Hull City have strongly denounced racist abuse targeted at their newly signed striker Robinio Vaz following the announcement of his loan move from Roma on deadline day.
The 19-year-old Frenchman's arrival at the newly promoted Premier League club was confirmed via a social media post on Tuesday, which quickly attracted a wave of derogatory and discriminatory comments. The post has since been taken down.
Hull moved swiftly to address the abuse, issuing a statement making clear their position. "No individual should ever experience discriminatory abuse, and the club will provide Robinio with our full support," the club said. They added that they have a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination in any form and have been in contact with the Premier League, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, and relevant social media platforms over the past 24 hours.
"We stand with Robinio and encourage all supporters to continue to report any form of discrimination," the statement continued.
The club also confirmed it is cooperating with Humberside Police and other authorities in an effort to trace those behind the abusive messages. "We are also working with Humberside police and other relevant authorities to identify the accounts responsible for this disgusting abuse, so that appropriate action can be taken against those individuals," Hull said.
Hull head coach Sergej Jakirovic voiced his disgust at the incident, speaking to BBC Radio Humberside. "Disaster. Unacceptable, zero tolerance on this abuse. We're living in the 21st century," he said, criticising the anonymity of those responsible. "All this coming from a fake account. If you are so brave why you don't put your name and surname?"
Jakirovic also reassured that the squad and coaching staff were rallying around the young striker despite the language barrier he faces after his move to England. "We are 100% behind him. We try to explain to him because he doesn't speak English so we have some French guys, but he's good, he's fine," he said.
Vaz joined Hull on a season-long loan from Serie A side Roma, with the agreement including an option for the Tigers to sign him permanently at the end of the campaign. The forward scored once in Serie A last season and was viewed as a promising addition to Hull's attacking options as they navigate their return to the Premier League.
The Premier League also issued a statement condemning the abuse directed at Vaz, pledging its support to both the player and the club. "We are disgusted by the ongoing discrimination players face on social media and are committed to working with clubs, authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to address this issue," the league said.
The incident comes at a otherwise positive time for Hull, who have made an impressive return to the top flight, winning both of their opening two league fixtures. They are set to host Aston Villa this weekend as they look to continue their strong start to the season, with Vaz potentially in line to feature for his new club after settling into life in England.
The case adds to a growing list of incidents involving racist abuse of footballers on social media, a problem that clubs, leagues and campaigners continue to battle despite repeated calls for accountability from platform providers and law enforcement agencies.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football and BBC Sport Football.