Reece James: Chelsea condemn ‘hateful’ racist abuse of defender

Abuse of the 21-year-old follows attacks on Axel Tuanzebe, Anthony Martial and Romaine Sawyers this week

Chelsea and England defender Reece James, 21 (Getty Images)

Chelsea have backed calls for social media companies to take greater action to eradicate racism on their platforms after Reece James became the latest player to be subjected to abuse.

England defender James, 21, revealed he had been targeted on Friday evening and posted a Tweet reading “No room for RACISM!!” in response.

The full-back’s club was quick to condemn the abuse, which followed similar attacks aimed at West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers and Manchester United duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial this week.

A Chelsea statement read: “Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening.

“This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it.

“In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.

“We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour.

“Something needs to change and it needs to change now.”

Speaking about the earlier incidents on Friday, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters called for action to stamp out online hate.

He said: “I am appalled to see the racial abuse received by players this week.

“Racist behaviour of any form is unacceptable and nobody should have to deal with it.

“Tackling online hate is a priority for football, and I believe social media companies need to do more.”

PA