Kazim-Richards to meet boys who racially abused him online

Derby County forward Colin Kazim-Richards is due to meet the three boys who racially abused him on Instagram.

The 35-year-old was abused on the social media platform on February 26, 2021, following his side's 1-1 home draw against rivals Nottingham Forest.

Instagram disabled the offending accounts at the time and Derbyshire Police launched an investigation. Derby said Kazim-Richards was forced to explain the circumstances to his own children.

Sky Sports News can reveal that three boys, aged 12, 13 and 14, have been identified and admitted guilt. It was decided that the matter should be dealt with by way of "restorative justice", with Kazim-Richards planning to meet them.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary said: "Three boys aged 12,13 and 14 were identified during a police investigation into racist abuse directed at a Derby County footballer on social media.

"The boys were interviewed and admitted sending messages of a racist nature to the footballer.

"Following interviews, it was decided that this matter be dealt with by way of restorative justice, and it was referred to a partner agency who specialise in restorative justice intervention.

"The agency has planned to hold a meeting between the footballer and the boys, but this meeting has not yet taken place due to delays caused by the pandemic and the competing playing schedule of the footballer and school timetable of the boys."

Derby have thanked the police for their response to the abuse Kazim-Richards received last year.

A club spokesperson told Sky Sports News: "Derby County Football Club wishes to thank Derbyshire Constabulary for their work in relation to the social media abuse directed to Colin Kazim-Richards last year.

"As the club stated at the time, it