Ipswich Town launch investigation after Fatawu Issahaku targeted by online racist abuse

Ipswich Town have condemned racist abuse directed at Ghana international Fatawu Issahaku on social media following the club’s match against Everton.

The club said it had immediately opened an internal investigation to formally identify those responsible for the hateful messages. The matter has also been referred to the Premier League and the relevant police authorities.

Ipswich Town said the abuse had been reported after the game, with the club taking steps to establish the identities of the individuals behind the online attacks. No details have been given about the people involved or the nature of the messages.

English football authorities have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination. Those found responsible could face severe punishment, including lifetime bans from stadiums and potential legal action.

The incident has renewed concerns about the responsibility of social media platforms and the protection of footballers from abuse online. It also adds to continuing calls within sport for stronger and more effective measures to tackle racism.

Issahaku has received widespread support from his team-mates, Ipswich Town and a large number of supporters following the abuse. That backing has come as the football community again demands tougher action to prevent racist attacks against players.

The Ghana international was the target of the abuse in the aftermath of the Everton fixture, prompting a swift response from his club. Ipswich Town’s investigation will run alongside the involvement of the Premier League and police, who have been notified of the allegations.

The authorities’ stated approach means any identified offenders could be punished through football sanctions as well as potentially facing prosecution. The available measures include being barred from attending matches for life.

The case has once again placed the online safety of athletes at the centre of the debate over discrimination in football, with calls for concrete action to remove racism from the sport.