A 12-year-old who sent Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha racist messages on Instagram ahead of today’s (Sunday 12) clash against Aston Villa has been arrested by West Midlands Police.
The boy who is reportedly from Solihull demanded Zaha not score or he would come to the player’s house dressed as a ghost. He also attached several racist pictures.
Woke up to this today. pic.twitter.com/Zal0F96htJ
— Wilfried Zaha (@wilfriedzaha) July 12, 2020
“We were alerted to a series of racist messages sent to a footballer today and after looking into them and conducting checks, we have arrested a boy,” a police statement reads. “The 12-year-old from Solihull has been taken to custody. Thanks to everyone who raised it. Racism won’t be tolerated.”
“It is very saddening on the day of a game that a player wakes up to this cowardly and despicable abuse,” Palace manager Roy Hodgson told reporters. “I think it is right that Wilf made people aware of it; I don’t think it is something he should keep quiet about.
“There is literally no excuse; there is no excuse at all.” He added.
