Police investigating online racist abuse of QPR’s Osayi-Samuel

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Police are to looking to track down the individual who racially abused QPR winger Bright Osayi-Samuel on Instagram following Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Norwich.

Osayi-Samuel, who scored his side’s equaliser against the league leaders, re-posted the message he received following the match, and initial steps have been taken by the Metropolitan Police to find the perpetrator – who does not appear to be a QPR fan but someone who lost money as a result of the game.


PC John Gerrard confirmed on the Met Police QPR FC Twitter account that early steps have been taken to investigate the incident.

Earlier this year Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha posted details of similar abuse he received and police in the West Midlands tracked down and arrested a 12-year-old boy.

Rangers chief executive Lee Hoos said the club is also working with Instagram to try and identify the person responsible.

“We completely deplore the abhorrent abuse Bright has been subjected to,” said Hoos.

“It astounds me that people feel they can freely post such comments without any fear of reprisal.

“I do feel social media platforms have a duty of care to its users who are victimised in this way.”

QPR director of football Les Ferdinand said more stringent measures needed to be taken by social media companies to combat online abuse.

“This type of abuse on social media is too commonplace and has to stop,” said Ferdinand.

“In a society that now rightly places greater importance on mental wellbeing than ever before, how can people be able to set up anonymous social media accounts?

“This will continue and continue until we stop it from being possible.

“I believe governing bodies across sport – not just football – need to come together to create a powerful voice which calls for social media platforms to change their stance.”