18 April 2023 , 18:21
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Police have launched an investigation into the shocking racist abuse aimed at Arsenal star Bukayo Saka after he missed a second-half penalty at West Ham on Sunday.
The 21-year-old could have put Mikel Arteta's side 3-1 ahead in the game at the London Stadium as the Gunners chase their first Premier League trophy in 19 years. However, Saka missed and the Hammers ended up equalising to earn a 2-2 draw and dent Arsenal's title ambitions.
After the game, Saka was sent a racist message on social media. Under the tweet, another user tagged the Metropolitan Police to call out the hate crime.
"This has already been reported and is currently being investigated," the Twitter account replied, as per AP, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the account of the message that was aimed at Saka was not publicly viewable on Tuesday afternoon.
This isn't the first time Saka has been abused on Twitter after missing a penalty. The England international was targeted following England's shootout defeat against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
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However, Saka has been excellent for the Three Lions ever since missing at Wembley in July 2021. He played a key role at the World Cup in December and scored England's second in the 2-0 win over Ukraine in March.
The winger has also been terrific in an Arsenal shirt so far this season. He became the first player to register double-figures in the Premier League for goals and assists last month, having excelled in a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Bukayo Saka has been impressive for Arsenal this season (Getty Images)A number of fans jumped to his defence on social media after the racial message. One said: "Saka has been impressive since the beginning of the league and I also think it's safe to say without Saka in that team Arsenal would be hanging at their normal 5th position."
Another added: "Being racist towards Saka the moment he screws up or under any circumstance is so disgusting and shameful." A third commented: "The racism towards Bukayo Saka following his pen miss has been horrific. If you see any racist tweets, posts and comments please block and report these people and accounts."
Ian Wright also had his say and sent a heartfelt message of support to Saka after the abuse. Speaking via The Athletic, the Gunners legend explained: "He will always be our starboy no matter what.
"He has my unequivocal support and I would expect everyone around Arsenal to do the same. Vocal support matters. I want him to know we will always rally around him.
"Then you see the racism. As a black player that is always there. It's not enough to miss the penalty and take the disappointment that comes with that, because as a black player you must also take racist abuse?"