The 27-year-old Nigeria international played the full 90 minutes at The Hawthorns, where the relegated Baggies went down 2-1 following a dramatic late winner from Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker; player added 'Instagram sort it out'
Monday 17 May 2021 21:25, UK
West Brom defender Semi Ajayi has revealed he was subjected to racist abuse on social media following Sunday's Premier League defeat to Liverpool.
The 27-year-old Nigeria international played the full 90 minutes at The Hawthorns, where the relegated Baggies went down 2-1 following a dramatic late winner from Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Ajayi, responding to a post on his account, wrote: "Yet again, I come on Instagram to more racial abuse after a game." The centre-half added: "Instagram sort it out."
Earlier this month, the Football Association called on the Government to introduce legislation to compel social media companies to do more to stop online abuse.
That followed a four-day social media boycott which saw football organisations, clubs, players, other sports stars, major businesses and media outlets fall silent in protest.
But since the blackout, police have launched an investigation into "vile racist abuse" of Swansea striker Morgan Whittaker, while Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, Manchester United's Fred and Wales international Rabbi Matondo have also been targeted.
Sky Sports News has contacted Facebook, who owns Instagram, for comment while Facebook has also declined to put a representative forward for interview on camera.
Reflecting on the abuse he has suffered on social media, Ajayi reiterated the suggestion that accounts should be registered in order to deter individuals from posting offensive messages, which they can currently do anonymously.
"I just think it's becoming far too frequent these days," he said on Monday.
"As an opposition fan watching the game, you shouldn't be able to just come on Instagram, or any social media platform, and send an opposing player abuse.
"The only way to stamp it out is if social media platforms require you to hand in a form of ID to prove who is behind the account.
"Therefore, if that account is found to be violating any rules, you know exactly who it was that did it.
"These fans can hide behind their anonymity and get away with whatever they want to say.
"That's the next step that needs to be taken."
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