Northumbria Police confirm enquiries after online comments emerge following Stadium of Light clash
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Northumbria Police have confirmed they are investigating alleged online racist abuse directed at Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey following the club’s 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
The incident comes after a feisty contest at the Stadium of Light, which saw several flashpoints involving the Dutch forward. Brobbey was at the centre of several key moments during the game, including an early challenge on Pedro Porro that prompted debate over whether further punishment could have been issued.
The striker was later involved in another controversial incident after appearing to nudge Cristian Romero into Tottenham goalkeeper Antonín Kinský following the passage of play, sparking frustration among the visiting players. Despite those moments, Sunderland secured all three points thanks to Nordi Mukiele’s second-half effort.
However, the focus shifted after full-time when Brobbey appeared to be targeted on social media. The striker had posted on his personal Instagram account following the game, with a number of alleged discriminatory comments circulating online. Northumbria Police have now confirmed they are looking into the matter.
A spokesperson said online in response to fan concerns: “We can confirm we are looking into reports of discriminatory comments circulating on social media. We condemn all forms of discrimination – it has no place in society and our communities.”
It marks the third such incident in the space of three months, following allegations of racist abuse directed at Romaine Mundle after the club’s Premier League fixture against Fulham in February.
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Last month, a man was arrested following allegations of racist abuse directed at a Sunderland player during March’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park. The Premier League fixture between Newcastle United and Sunderland was briefly halted in the second half after a report of discriminatory abuse aimed at Lutsharel Geertruida from within the crowd.
Referee Anthony Taylor paused the game for several minutes in accordance with the league’s anti-discrimination protocol before play resumed. Northumbria Police have since confirmed that a 45-year-old man from the Gateshead area had been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
Sunderland released the following statement on Monday morning: “Sunderland AFC condemns in the strongest possible terms the racist abuse directed at Brian Brobbey on social media following Sunday’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. We stand firmly with Brian and offer him our full and unwavering support.
“This is not an isolated incident. Recent abuse directed at Romaine Mundle and Lutsharel Geertruida highlights the ongoing and unacceptable frequency of this behaviour, both inside stadiums and online. The club has reported this incident to the Premier League, the relevant social media platforms, and the police, and we expect swift action to be taken against those responsible. Racism is abhorrent and has no place in our game or in society, and we will continue to call it out clearly and unapologetically every time it occurs. Football must be a safe and inclusive environment for all - without exception.”