This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called for action against online hate following a series of racist abuse incidents targeting his players.
On August 18, 2019, Paul Pogba became the third Manchester United player in a week to be racially abused on social media after a penalty miss against Wolves.
“Paul is a strong character – it makes him stronger,” Solskjaer said.
He added, “We have to do something about it and authorities have to do something.”
Solskjaer is the latest figure from the club to call for stronger action, following defender Harry Maguire and striker Marcus Rashford.
Former defender Phil Neville suggested that players quit social media in protest.
“Social media is a place where people hide behind fake identities – it’s not down to me to change it,” Solskjaer said.
He emphasized that players would not be banned from using social media.
Chelsea condemned “abhorrent posts” aimed at Tammy Abraham after his decisive penalty miss in the Super Cup against Liverpool.
Reading striker Yakou Meite called out racist abuse sent to him on social media after he had a spot-kick saved.
Twitter stated it would meet United representatives and anti-abuse campaigners Kick It Out.
Solskjaer said, “We need to protect individuals and we need to protect people.
“When there are death threats and racism, that is serious.
“What can we do about it? We aren’t going to ban our players on social media, we have to spread the good word instead.
“There is so much good on social media, but we have to stop those instances, definitely.”
