Ian Wright branded ‘monkey’ on Instagram
Ian Wright has been targeted in a racist attack on Instagram – with the Arsenal legend branded a “monkey”.
Police contacted the 56-year-old former England striker after he revealed the vile messages on social media.
The popular Match of the Day pundit posted a screenshot of the disgusting comments and captioned them with: “I know I’m not meant to look at them but these messages still hit me so hard man. This is a child!!!
“You are a f***ing monkey’, ‘C*** c**n monkey n*****’. Direct message to me on IG. This kid [h]as a direct line into me & is able to send this without any worry.”
The messages were all sent from the same account, and included sickening remarks such as “You are a f***ing monkey”, “Your like 65 years old if I get corona I will cough in your face and give you your death sentence”, and “I hate all your family”.
Wright quickly received plenty of support, and the Met Police publicly responded to his grim revelation.
They tweeted: “Hi, If you wish to report this incident please DM us.”
Arsenal fan and GMB TV host Piers Morgan responded: “My god.. this is disgusting. Who are his parents? Who are his teachers?
“So sorry you’ve had to endure this racist filth, Legend.”
Fellow TV host Dan Walker said: “I’m so sorry you have to see and read that.
“I’m sure you also know there an awful lot of love for you out there and 99.99% of people will be disgusted and ashamed that you have received those messages.”
And Sky Sports presenter Biance Westwood said: “Absolutely shocking. I’m sorry this happened to you.
“I don’t understand this hatred or where it comes from, especially in someone so young but I hope he is dealt with appropriately! Wrighty you are much loved.”
Wright has often spoken out on racist abuse in football.
After England’s black players were targeted by fans in Bulgaria last year, causing the match to be repeatedly suspended, he said: “Look at that, it says everything you need to know about Uefa.
“We’re looking at a stadium here where half of it is closed with banners that have done nothing.
“That’s the extent of what they feel they are doing to combat racism in this country.
“The fact is, we’ve seen a set of people who have got no respect, they don’t care, and Uefa are doing nowhere near enough. I’m so proud we’re doing what we’re doing at the moment.
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“The thing about it is you feel physically sick but you’ve got to continue playing through that. What we’re seeing now is that you don’t and that’s what is good.”