Newcastle condemns discriminatory abuse toward Guimarães and Willock after Arsenal game

Nov 5, 2023

Newcastle says it is supporting Bruno Guimarães and Joe Willock after the players were sent racist abuse over social media following the 1-0 win against Arsenal in the Premier League

NEWCASTLE, England (AP) — Newcastle said Sunday it was supporting Bruno Guimarães and Joe Willock after the players were sent discriminatory abuse over social media following the 1-0 win against Arsenal in the Premier League.

Willock, who is Black, used his Instagram account to highlight racist messages he received after Saturday's game. He is a former Arsenal player and was involved in the build-up to the only goal scored by Anthony Gordon.

Guimarães is a Brazil international.

Newcastle said it “strongly condemns” the abuse, adding: “We are providing support to Bruno and Joe and will work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account.”

Kick It Out, a leading anti-discrimination group in soccer, called on social media companies to offer better safeguards against the abuse.

“Sadly, this has been an almost weekly occurrence this season, and the costs on players’ mental health are huge," the group said.

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