Swansea say Yan Dhanda has been the victim of racist abuse on social media; the abuse came after the Sky Bet Championship side's defeat to Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup; Swansea say they are saddened and appalled; South Wales Police are investigating the matter
Thursday 11 February 2021 21:53, UK
Swansea midfielder Yan Dhanda has been the subject of racist abuse on social media, the club said on Wednesday evening.
The abuse followed Swansea's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The Championship club say they are "appalled and saddened" by the abuse their 22-year-old midfielder has received.
Dhanda reacted on Twitter by saying: "How can this STILL be happening in 2021? I'm so proud of who I am and representing Asians. More has to be done!"
South Wales Police are investigating the matter with the assistance of Swansea and Manchester City.
Sky Sports News has contacted Facebook, which owns Instagram, to ask if the account which sent the message to Dhanda has been removed as per the new measures they announced on Wednesday, which included the removal of accounts to prevent abusive messages on its platform, and developing new controls to help reduce the abuse people see.
It is the latest in a long list of recent incidents of footballers receiving abuse on social media.
Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe, Manchester United Women's Lauren James and Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger and Reece James are part of a growing list of footballers who have been racially abused on social media in recent weeks.
Swansea's statement read: "Swansea City is appalled and saddened by racist abuse received by Yan Dhanda via social media following tonight's Emirates FA Cup game against Manchester City.
"As a club, we pride ourselves on working with the community and our supporters, as well as the EFL and the FA, on all anti-racism and anti-discriminatory campaigns because it has no place in society.
"Swansea City condemns racism and abuse of all kinds, and we urge social media companies to go above and beyond to stamp out this abhorrent level of behaviour that continues to tarnish football and society.
"An official report has been made with South Wales Police and the club will assist them in their investigation.
"Yan has our unwavering support in this matter as we and the relevant authorities strive to eradicate this mindless behaviour."
Swansea's opponents Manchester City also condemned the abuse and said they will be supporting Swansea and the police with their investigation.
The club said: "Racism has no place in sport, or society. Manchester City FC are appalled to hear of the alleged racist abuse of a Swansea player.
"We will be supporting Swansea City and South Wales Police in their investigation of this matter, and to establish whether there was a Manchester City fan involved."
The Official FA Cup Twitter account reaffirmed a statement made by English football's governing body from Sunday.
The statement read: "It has been yet another weekend where players are facing discriminatory abuse and having to deal with anonymous keyboard warriors who hide in a world of impunity. At The FA, we believe that enough is enough.
"We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real-life consequences.
"Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse.
"We stand with Lauren James, Axel Tuanzebe and every victim of discrimination in all its forms. It's time for change."
Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion organisation, also condemned the abuse and praised Dhanda for being a fantastic role model and speaking out on the issue.
Kick It Out chair Sanjay Bhandari told Sky Sports News: "We have again seen another example of online hate last night, against Swansea City forward Yan Dhanda. Discriminatory abuse can have significant real-world impact on the welfare of the victims.
"Yan is one of very few South Asian players competing in professional football in the UK, and we would like to see more South Asian representation across the game. Yan is a fantastic role model, and we applaud him for speaking out and taking a stand against the abuse he received.
"We know the police are now involved in this case and we hope the right punishment is given to the individual responsible for this terrible abuse. We do encourage players to get support from their club in the first instance, but support is also available from the PFA and Kick It Out."
Anti-racism education organisation Show Racism the Red Card also extended its support to Dhanda.
Chief executive Ged Grebby told Sky Sports News: "First of all and most importantly we'd like to extend our support to Yan Dhanda and the ever-growing list of victims of racial abuse.
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"Even one case is one too many, however this seems to be a daily occurrence. Social media companies and the relevant authorities must do more and do it quickly, not only reactively to online abuse but proactively in supporting the likes of our education programmes throughout society.
"Racism occurs everyday at every level, from the top flight down to the grassroots; inside and outside of the game. We must all work together with a wholistic approach to tackle this historic pandemic of racism."
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