Footballer racially abused online by own fans

A football club has condemned fans who subjected a player to "threatening and racially abusive messages" online.

Blackpool FC said they were "angered" that defender Jordan Gabriel, 26, had been "subjected to this level of abuse" after the club's EFL Trophy defeat.

The League One club said they were working with the authorities, including Lancashire Constabulary "to identify who is responsible and hold them accountable".

Lancashire Police has been approached for a comment.

The player, who signed from Nottingham Forest three years ago, suffered the abuse after Tuesday's defeat against Aston Villa Under-21s.

A statement issued by the club said: "Blackpool Football Club is aware of a number of threatening and racially abusive messages directly sent to Jordan Gabriel last night.

"The club will continue to work with the authorities, including Lancashire Constabulary to identify who is responsible and hold them accountable.

"The club is angered and frustrated that one of our players has been subjected to this level of abuse, and joins the growing list of calls for social media platforms to be more proactive and decisive in combating online hate.

"There is a zero-tolerance policy for this behaviour throughout the game."

Other Blackpool fans have rallied round the player on social media.

One said on Instagram: "No true Blackpool fans would do this, hope they get banned."

"They are not a fan of this football club, we stand with you Jordan," said another.

A supporter posted on Facebook: "It's absolutely unacceptable and should not be allowed to happen in any kind of way.

"So let's get behind Jordan Gabriel on Saturday and show him that he's got the fans supporting him.

"We should sing his name from kick off and get behind him so he can hear the north stand sing his name."

They added: "One last time! No room for racism or any kind of abusive messages."

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