Social media companies have been urged to do more to stop racist attacks after the “disgusting” comments were posted on the Instagram account of Derry City footballer, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe.
The English player was targeted with a series of racist comments after he scored during Derry City’s 3-3 draw with Bohemians in Dublin on Monday night.
From England, Mr Ogedi-Uzokwe played with Sligo Rovers and Dundalk before moving to Derry City on loan for a second period in July this year.
SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood described the comments as “disgusting and dangerous”and pledged support for Mr Ogedi-Uzokwe.
“It’s long past time social media companies took serious action on this issue and denied faceless trolls and bigots the opportunity to make these kinds of hurtful and dangerous comments,” Mr Eastwood said.
Sinn Féin assembly member, Pádraig Delargy called on anyone with any information about the online accounts of those responsible for the attacks to report them to police. Mr Delargy said social media platforms should also take action against those behind the attacks.
The attack was also condemned by Derry City FC director, Martin Mullan.
Mr Mullan said: “Racism must be called out in whatever form it takes. We hope that whoever was behind this attack can be identified and dealt with accordingly.”
Former People before Profit assembly member and Derry City FC fan, Eamon McCann described the comments as “abhorrent”. Mr McCann said responses Black Lives Matter protests showed that racism was “institutionalised” in societal structures.
“We must remain ever vigilant to stamp it out and call it out whenever and wherever it occurs. Racism can have no space in our communities, workplaces or sports.
“We stand with Junior and everyone experiencing racism in our communities. Solidarity,” Mr McCann said.
