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Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has been the subject of racist abuse following his side’s 2-2 draw with West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The England international missed a penalty during the match which saw Premier League leaders Arsenal blow a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with the Hammers.
The fact that the team could only win a point against David Moyes’ relegation threatened side means that Man City have edged even closer to overtaking the Gunners in the race for the title.
If Saka had scored, Arsenal would have earned three crucial points as the season nears its conclusion. The team captained by Mikel Arteta remains atop the Premier League table, but will require a victory against City on April 26.
Following the game, Saka took to Instagram to apologize to fans for missing the spot kick.
“Regardless of the outcome, I’ll always accept my responsibility. Apologies Gunners, I’ll do everything I can to make it right,” the winger said.
However, the penalty miss has meant that Saka has had to endure racist abuse sent to him on social media.
Saka Miss Sparks Abuse on Social Media
After Sunday’s contest, it was reported that Saka received a racist social media message.
On Sunday night, a racist message was sent to Saka’s social media account and echoes those he endured when he missed a crucial penalty kick for England in the Euro 2020 final.
With an exceptional performance at the World Cup in December, he has since become one of the most vital members of the national team.
The Arsenal academy graduate has been an integral part of Arsenal’s success as they contend for the championship, and many have rushed to his defense.
“Saka has been impressive since the beginning of the league and I also think it’s safe to say without Saka in that team Arsenal would be hanging at their normal 5th position,” one Twitter user said.
“Today Saka missed a penalty and you lots came up with this. You lots are disgusting racists,” the account said, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
Arsenal Football Club have taken action and have blocked the account from which the message was sent. The club are reported to be collaborating with experts in technology to identify individuals.
Not the First Time Saka Subject to Racism Online
Not for the first time has Saka been verbally assaulted after missing a penalty kick.
The Football Association condemned the racial slurs directed at the Three Lions’ Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho following the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy at Wembley.
After enduring abuse following England’s loss in the final of the Euros, he thanked those fans who had shown him support and solidarity.
Since then, the 21-year-old has continued to improve on the field and is currently experiencing his most productive season in front of goal for the Gunners.
“I have stayed away from social media for a few days to spend time with my family and reflect on the last few weeks,” Saka said in 2021. “This message won’t do it justice how grateful I am for all the love that I have received, and I feel that I need to thank everyone who has supported me.”
“It was an honor to be part of an @England squad that leads by example, they are brothers for life and I’m grateful for everything that I have learnt from every one of the players and staff who worked so hard.”
“To help that team reach our first final in 55 years, seeing my family in the crowd, knowing what they’ve given up to help me get there, that meant everything to me.”
Arsenal face another relegation threatened side in Southampton on Friday evening in their next vital league game.
Gunners fans will be hoping that Saka can recover from Sunday night’s incident as his talent will be necessary if the side are to clinch the title this season.
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