Everton have condemned racist abuse directed at Amadou Onana after their 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa and are trying to track down the individual responsible.
Onana was racially abused in an Instagram post on Sunday after Sean Dyche’s team suffered a second successive defeat of the season. Everton have opened an investigation and will work with Merseyside police on any action they take.
A club statement said: “Everton Football Club strongly condemns any form of racist and discriminatory abuse towards our players. The club is aware of a racist post targeted at Amadou Onana. Such abuse is vile and will not and should not be tolerated. The club is conducting an investigation to identify the individual responsible and will also be supporting police with any investigation they conduct.”
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Everton were also forced to act last weekend when the striker Neal Maupay was abused on social media by a fan from a rival club after the 1-0 defeat by Fulham.
Leeds have said Willy Gnonto has been subjected to online abuse on social media and that police are investigating. “An investigation is now under way and the police have been notified,” the club said. “Racism will not be tolerated at Leeds United.”
Gnonto has asked to leave after last season’s relegation. Everton have made attempts to sign him but Leeds have insisted the 19-year-old is not for sale.
