Blackpool FC Condemns Online Racial Abuse Against Player Jordan Gabriel

Blackpool Football Club has denounced supporters who directed “threatening and racially abusive messages” towards one of its players online. The club stated its “anger” regarding the extent of the abuse faced by defender Jordan Gabriel, 26, following the team’s defeat in the EFL Trophy. The League One club confirmed it is collaborating with authorities, specifically Lancashire Constabulary, “to identify who is responsible and hold them accountable.” Lancashire Police was contacted for a statement. The abuse directed at the player, who joined from Nottingham Forest three years prior, occurred after Tuesday’s loss to Aston Villa Under-21s. In a statement released by the club, it was noted: “Blackpool Football Club is aware of a number of threatening and racially abusive messages directly sent to Jordan Gabriel last night.” The statement continued: “The club will continue to work with the authorities, including Lancashire Constabulary to identify who is responsible and hold them accountable.” It further stated: “The club is angered and frustrated that one of our players has been subjected to this level of abuse, and joins the growing list of calls for social media platforms to be more proactive and decisive in combating online hate.” The statement concluded: “There is a zero-tolerance policy for this behaviour throughout the game.” Other supporters of Blackpool have shown solidarity with the player on social media platforms. A fan commented on Instagram: “No true Blackpool fans would do this, hope they get banned.” Another individual stated: “They are not a fan of this football club, we stand with you Jordan.” On Facebook, a supporter posted: “It’s absolutely unacceptable and should not be allowed to happen in any kind of way. “So let’s get behind Jordan Gabriel on Saturday and show him that he’s got the fans supporting him.” The post continued: “We should sing his name from kick off and get behind him so he can hear the north stand sing his name.” They further added: “One last time! No room for racism or any kind of abusive messages.”