Wolverhampton Wanderers have thrown their full support behind Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare after he was subjected to racial abuse on social media following Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace.

Arokodare came under attack online after missing a first-half penalty in Wolves’ 1–0 loss at Selhurst Park. The Nigerian forward struck a low effort toward the bottom-right corner, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson dived down to gather the ball comfortably.

The miss proved costly for the visitors, who remain bottom of the table, as Palace went on to secure the winner late through Evann Guessand.

In the aftermath of the match, Arokodare revealed via Instagram that he had been targeted with racist messages, describing the situation as deeply troubling.

“It’s still unbelievable to me that we’re playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism without any consequences,” he wrote.

“These individuals should have no place in our game and collectively we have to take action to punish everyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are.”

Meanwhile, Wolves responded swiftly, condemning the abuse and reaffirming their backing for the striker. The club said it was “disgusted by numerous instances of racist abuse, from multiple perpetrators,” directed at Arokodare after the fixture.

"Wolves are disgusted by numerous instances of racist abuse, from multiple perpetrators, directed at Tolu Arokodare on social media following today’s fixture against Crystal Palace," the club wrote on their official website. 

"There is no place for racism – in football, online, or anywhere in society. We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms."

"Tolu has our full and unwavering support. No player should be subjected to such hatred simply for doing their job. We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting with apparent impunity."

Wolves added that the offensive posts have been reported to relevant social media platforms and that the club will work with the Premier League and authorities to identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken, maintaining a zero-tolerance stance toward discrimination.

"The club has reported the posts to the relevant platforms and will work with the Premier League and the authorities to help identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken. We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination," the statement added. 

Arokodare joined Wolves last summer from KRC Genk after an outstanding campaign in Belgium, where he scored 23 goals across all competitions. 

However, the striker has found it difficult to replicate that form in England as Wolves battle to avoid relegation.

Adeyemi Adewale