Newcastle condemn ‘appalling racist abuse’ aimed at Joe Willock on social media

Newcastle have notified police after midfielder Joe Willock found himself the target of an “appalling” racist online attack on Saturday evening.

The 25-year-old revealed he was abused on Instagram in the wake of a disappointing 2-1 Premier League defeat by Fulham at St James’ Park, the Magpies’ second in succession following Bournemouth’s 4-1 victory on Tyneside two weeks earlier.

A club statement released on Sunday morning read: “Newcastle United strongly condemns the appalling racist abuse received by Joe Willock on Instagram on Saturday evening. There is no room for racism anywhere.

“Joe has been given the club’s full support and we will continue to do all we can to ensure the welfare of our players, staff and supporters.

Newcastle United strongly condemns the appalling racist abuse received by Joe Willock on Instagram on Saturday evening. There is no room for racism anywhere.

Joe has been given the club's full support and we will continue to do all we can to ensure the welfare of our players,… pic.twitter.com/35FUoD7a9P

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 2, 2025

“The club has reported the abuse to Meta – the owners of Instagram, and urges all social media companies to do more to eradicate this behaviour from their platforms.

“The club has also reported the abuse to the police and will support the strongest possible action against those responsible.”

Northumbria Police said it had received “a number of complaints about a post on social media” and an investigation was ongoing.

A police spokesperson told the PA news agency: “We want to make it clear we condemn all forms of discrimination.”

PA has contacted Meta for comment.

Willock’s team-mate Alexander Isak posted on X on Sunday morning: “We win together, we lose