Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters has responded to the racial abuse he received in the aftermath of the Saints' draw with Manchester United at the weekend, while also sending a message to Alejandro Garnacho.
The English defender suffered racist abuse online on Sunday, with offensive remarks posted in the comments section of the 25-year-old's week-old Instagram post following the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.
A racist term was directed at Walker-Peters in response to a comment about United youngster Garnacho, who had come off the bench in the clash. The Uruguayan appeared in pain following a challenge from the Southampton full-back in the closing stages of the game, which led to him coming off in added time.
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Southampton said they were "disgusted and disappointed" by the abuse, with the club forwarding the racist messages to Hampshire Police. In a statement, Saints also expressed their frustration at social media platforms' inability to resolve the issue. On Monday evening, Walker-Peters took to Instagram to address the situation.
"On a personal level, the racial abuse I received is something that no player or person should ever have to experience," he wrote on Instagram. "We need to be better, and this is bigger than just football. More needs to be done to prevent this from happening time and time again. Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support since, I appreciate each and every one of you."
The 25-year-old also sent a message to Garnacho, insisting that he would never intentionally injure a fellow professional, while also wishing the United ace a speedy recovery.
He wrote: "Finally, to @garnacho7 it would never be my intention to injure a fellow professional. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back in action as soon as possible."
Reds defender Raphael Varane, who played the full 90 minutes against Southampton, commented on Walker-Peters' post - with the Frenchman showing his support for the Saints man.
"Bigger than football. Well said Kyle, you have my support," he wrote.
Erik ten Hag was keen to stress that Garnacho came off as a precaution, even though he left Old Trafford on crutches. The 18-year-old came on in the 73rd minute, but he was taken off in added time and headed straight down the tunnel.
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