Police arrest EIGHT men over racist social media abuse of an unnamed Tottenham star after defeat by Man United in April… as Met say ‘utterly unacceptable racist thuggery’ will not be tolerated after Red Devils banned fans for targeting Son Heung-min
- A Met Police probe has resulted in eight arrests after abuse of a Spurs player
- The unnamed Tottenham star was targeted following 3-1 loss to United in April
- Four men were also interviewed under caution after investigation was launched
- Police said they would not stand for ‘racist thuggery, even if committed online’
- United have banned six supporters for abusing Tottenham’s Son Heung-min
Eight men have been arrested following a Metropolian Police investigation into the online abuse of an unnamed Tottenham player in April.
Police were alerted to a series of offensive posts aimed at a ‘high profile London player’ on social media after Tottenham’s 3-1 home defeat to Manchester United on April 11, with officers working with social media companies to track the anonymous users down.
South Korean forward Son Heung-min had been targeted by trolls after the game, with the club slamming the ‘abhorrent’ abuse sent to him after he was accused of play-acting to get a United goal disallowed.
Eight men have been arrested after an investigation into the abuse of a Tottenham player
The online abuse was reported following Tottenham’s 3-1 home loss to Man United in April
The South Korea forward was involved in an incident which saw a goal from United striker Edinson Cavani controversially ruled out in the first half, with Scott McTominay adjudged to have fouled Son in the build-up.
In total, 12 men were arrested or interviewed under caution on suspicion of using words or behaviour, or displaying written material with intent to stir up racial hatred. The Met confirmed each person has been released under investigation as further enquiries continue.
Manchester United have since confirmed six fans, including three season-ticket holders, have been banned for abusing Son on social media and reiterated a ‘commitment to the fight against discrimination on many fronts’.
Son was accused of play-acting after being caught in the face by United’s Scott McTominay
The club took to Twitter to support their player following the ‘abhorrent’ abuse he received
Detective Sergeant Matt Simpson from the Met’s public order crime team said: ‘This action makes it abundantly clear that police will not stand for racist thuggery, even if it is committed online.
‘The posts, all of which were on Twitter, were vulgar and were utterly unacceptable.
‘There is no safe haven for this type of abusive behaviour and we are committed to taking decisive action to root it out.’
Simpson added: ‘With a busy summer of football approaching we are committed to driving out this type of racist behaviour – it has no place in football.
‘I am delighted with the support we have received from our policing colleagues nationally and from Manchester United and Tottenham. Without them, it would be difficult to identify these users and take action.’
Tottenham’s statement came in response to vile messages that were posted on social media
The Premier League has taken a strong stance against racist abuse aimed at footballers
Premier League clubs and wider sport in the UK recently came together to conduct a blackout of social media in response to rising levels of racist abuse sent to footballers and individuals.
And after the police action, Kick It Out chief Tony Burnett said it displayed a ‘powerful message’ that online abuse was unacceptable.
‘We are pleased to see these arrests being made, it sends a powerful message that online abuse is unacceptable and those found guilty will face real-life consequences,’ he said.
A host of football teams and sports clubs conducted a boycott of social media last month in protest at the lack of action from tech firms
‘Social media has become a vehicle for inappropriate behaviour on a societal level and certain people think it’s okay to send abusive messages.
‘We have to make sure we create an environment where online abuse is punished and that the perpetrators are identified as much as possible.
‘These arrests demonstrate the police’s commitment to tackling online abuse and we hope this sends a message to others so they think twice before posting discriminatory abuse.
‘It’s also important that we remain focused on the welfare of those who play, watch and work in football, and receive abuse, and we will continue to offer our support to those who need it.’
