Irish teenager interviewed by police after Arsenal hero Ian Wright shares images of racist abuse he received online
A TEENAGER has handed himself in to Irish police after Ian Wright yesterday shared images of horrendous racist abuse received online.
Fans were horrified when the beloved former striker-turned-pundit, 56, showed them what he was forced to endure when he shared screenshots of disgusting messages sent to him on his Instagram account.
The former England international accompanied the troubling images with the caption: "I know I'm not meant to look at them but these messages still hit me so hard man. This is a child!!!
"This kid as a direct line into me & is able to send this without any worry."
In response the Garda Siochana, Ireland's police force, confirmed that a teenager had handed himself in and subsequently been questioned.
An official police statement read: "An Garda Siochana is investigating an incident where abusive/ racist comments have been re-posted on social media platforms.
"No formal complaint has been received but an investigation has commenced into the comments in line with our Diversity and Integration Strategy.
"A male adult teenager has presented voluntarily at a Garda Station and has been interviewed.
"A file is now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
"An Garda Siochana are appealing to the public not to engage in social media commentary in relation to this matter."
Kick It Out have called for serious action, with former Premier League footballer Gabriel Agbonlahor also having been targeted.
And the PFA have called for "fundamental changes" to the social networking site's policy, having contacted Instagram directly.
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”.
Plenty of people rushed to support the Arsenal legend, with GMB host and Gunners fan Piers Morgan writing: “My god.. this is disgusting. Who are his parents? Who are his teachers?
“So sorry you've had to endure this racist filth, Legend.”
Dan Walker also added: “I’m so sorry you have to see and read that.
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“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 Bianca 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.”