Willian shares racist messages Arsenal star has received as direct messages

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Arsenal star Willian has shared some of the sickening messages of racist abuse he received on social media, and called for change.

Several Premier League footballers have spoken out in recent weeks about the abuse they have received.

And Arsenal winger Willian has shown a clear example of abuse directed at him as he urged for change.

The Brazil international shared Instagram messages in which he was twice called a “monkey”.

Alongside a screenshot of the DM’s, he wrote: “Something needs to change! The fight against racism continues.”

Arsenal have responded to the development, stating: "We cannot and will not let racist and hateful abuse become a normalised part of the game.”

Meanwhile, an Arsenal spokesperson added: “This is another depressing example of what is sadly happening to our players and many others on a regular basis.

“Social media is one of the ways our supporters across the world can feel closer to the club and our players, but across football and beyond we’ve seen an online world poisoned by hateful, racist and discriminatory words.

“We all need to work together to drive this behaviour out. This includes clubs, governing bodies, fans, media and politicians, but requires the help and commitment of social media companies.”

Following last weekend’s 1-1 draw with West Brom, Anthony Martial was subjected to racist abuse on social media.

Both Martial and Red Devils team-mate Axel Tuanzebe were targeted by sick trolls after their 2-1 defeat at home to Sheffield United on January 27.

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    • Racist trolls posted a number of abominable messages on Martial’s various Instagram posts, which included the use of offensive emojis and the N-word.

    They targeted the Frenchman immediately after he was replaced in the 66th minute of United’s share of the spoils with the Baggies.

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    • Premier League
    • Arsenal FC

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