Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka has once again been subjected to sickening racial abuse online following his penalty miss in the 2-2 draw at West Ham. The Premier League title-chasing Gunners surrendered a two-goal lead for the second time in successive weeks and unfortunately for Saka, he missed a second-half penalty for the visitors shortly before Jarrod Bowen equalised for the Hammers.
It has since emerged that Saka has been the subject of abusive messages online of a racial nature following his wayward spot-kick.
Arsenal are yet to comment on the matter but are expected to issue their full support to their player.
Saka took to Instagram following the disappointing draw to apologise to Gunners supporters for missing from 12-yards.
The exceptional young winger wrote: “Regardless of the outcome, I’ll always accept my responsibility. Apologies Gunners, I’ll do everything I can to make it right.”
One Arsenal fan – Twitter user @PascalAbuka – wrote in defence of Saka: “Bukayo Saka didn’t have the best day today, go ahead and criticise his performance if you must, but if I see any racism towards him I will not hesitate to report & block you.”
In response to one of the racial posts, @kattia_olsen1 wrote: “I’m very angry why someone would be so nasty towards Saka. This is one of the worst racism I’ve ever seen.”
Another, @TwelveTribesNo wrote: “I swear, racism has no place in football or anywhere else. Saka missed a pen, that happens to the best. If anyone see any racist slurs used against Saka, please report it assap. My lad needs all the support of Arsenals fan.”
Sadly, this is not the first time Saka has been targeted with racial abuse.
The 21-year-old was also targeted by online trolls after missing his penalty in the Euro 2020 final against Italy back in the summer of 2021.
One man, who live streamed himself on Facebook racially abusing Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho was later jailed in November 2021.
England’s latest superstar initially took a small break from social media following the incident before posting a heartfelt message to supporters.
He wrote in 2021 on Instagram: “I have stayed away from social media for a few days to spend time with my family and reflect on the last few weeks.
“This message won’t do it justice how grateful I am for all the love that I have received, and I feel that I need to thank everyone who has supported me.
“It was an honour to be part of an @England squad that leads by example, they are brothers for life and I’m grateful for everything that I have learnt from every one of the players and staff who worked so hard. To help that team reach our first final in 55 years, seeing my family in the crowd, knowing what they’ve given up to help me get there, that meant everything to me.
“There are no words to tell you how disappointed I was with the result and my penalty. I really believed we would win this for you. I’m sorry that we couldn’t bring it home for you this year, but I promise you that we will give everything we’ve got to make sure this generation knows how it feels to win.
“My reaction post match said it all, I was hurting so much and I felt like I’d let you all and my England family down, but I can promise you this.. I will not let that moment or the negativity that I’ve received this week break me.”
Saka also called upon social media companies such as Twitter and Instagram to start taking online abuse and racism seriously on their platforms.
“For those who have campaigned on my behalf and sent me heartfelt letters, wished me and my family well – I’m so thankful,” Saka added.
“This is what football should be about. Passion, people of all races, genders, religions and backgrounds coming together with one shared joy of the rollercoaster of football.
“To the social media platforms @instagram @twitter @facebook I don’t want any child or adult to have to receive the hateful and hurtful messages that me Marcus and Jadon have received this week. I knew instantly the kind of hate that I was about to receive and that is a sad reality that your powerful platforms are not doing enough to stop these messages.
“There is no place for racism or hate of any kind in football or in any area of society and to the majority of people coming together to call out the people sending these messages, by taking action and reporting these comments to the police and by driving out the hate by being kind to one another, we will win. Love always wins. Bukayo Saka.”
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