Kemar Roofe is the latest footballer to be subjected to online racist abuse with Sky Sports reporting the incidents to Instagram.
A number of players have been abused since the turn of the year with the football authorities deciding that enough is enough and that action is required.
It seems that until recently these crimes have largely gone unpunished but there is a new appetite to eradicate it online. Similar comments inside a football stadium would almost certainly result in prosecution.
Rangers striker Kemar Roofe has been subjected to online racist abuse after tonight’s match with Slavia Prague.
Comments with banana, monkey and gorilla emojis were posted on his Instagram page. @SkySportsNews has contacted Instagram. #HateWontStopUs
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) March 18, 2021
Roofe was sent on in the 55th minute to turn the game around with Slavia Prague leading 1-0. Seven minutes later he was red carded for putting his boot into the face of the Slavia keeper as he advanced from his goal-line.
Trailing by a goal and down to 10 men the odds lengthened greatly for the Ibrox men. In the 73rd minute Leon Balogun was also sent off with Slavia doubling their lead from the resulting free kick.
As well as the shame of two red cards and a Europa League exit the Ibrox club now have a player to support on the back of online racist abuse.
