Newcastle United have called on Meta to assist police in identifying the individual responsible for racist abuse and violent threats sent to Joe Willock on Instagram following Sunday’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
In a statement published on the club’s website, Newcastle confirmed that Willock received direct messages of a racist nature from an anonymous Instagram account shortly after the 2-0 home victory.
“We are disgusted by racist abuse received by Joe Willock on Instagram on Sunday evening,” Newcastle wrote. “Following our win over Crystal Palace, Joe received several direct messages from an Instagram account that included racial slurs and deeply disturbing threats of violence towards Joe and his family.”
The club added that the matter has already been reported to police and stressed that this is not the first time Willock has been targeted.
“Sadly, Joe has faced this before,” the statement continued. “Each time, we have acted quickly to support him and that has been our immediate priority again. We have swiftly reported this matter to the police and we will fully support any investigation to identify the person responsible and hold them accountable, wherever they are.”
Willock, who came on as a substitute against Crystal Palace and missed a late chance to add a third goal, posted a screenshot of the abuse on his own Instagram account and responded publicly.
“I pray you and your family find God. And may him have mercy on you,” Willock wrote.
Northumbria Police have confirmed an investigation is underway, with officers working alongside the UK Football Policing Unit. Newcastle, however, made clear that meaningful progress will depend on cooperation from Instagram’s parent company.
“This can only happen with meaningful action from Meta, Instagram’s owners,” the club stated. “We urge Meta to give the police all the information they need to identify the perpetrator, and to do so quickly. Removing content and applying message filters is not enough.”
Newcastle added that social media companies must take greater responsibility when abuse crosses into criminal behaviour.
“Social media companies must do more to protect users and support the prosecution of those who seek to break the law on their platforms,” the statement said. “We stand firmly with Joe and anyone else who faces this kind of abuse.”
Richard Offiong, campaign coordinator for anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card, said the incident underlined the need for stronger enforcement by social media platforms.
“Strong measures are needed to identify perpetrators quickly, remove harmful content and ensure those responsible face real consequences,” Offiong said.
