Newcastle United have been told that the Premier League are right by their side after Joe Willock was abused by online trolls on Saturday night.

Top-flight chiefs have vowed to investigate the matter with Newcastle also working with Northumbria Police to crack down on the culprit. A statement from Prem bosses read: "The Premier League is appalled by the abuse received by Joe Willock. We are working with the club and authorities to support Joe. We will investigate and where possible take action against any individual we are able to identify. Discrimination of any kind has no place in our game or anywhere in society. If you see or hear abuse, report it."

The former Arsenal midfielder received sickening messages on Instagram in the aftermath of the defeat at St James' Park but has had full support from the club and his team-mates. The matter is now being dealt with by social media provider Meta and the authorities.

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A United statement read: "Newcastle United strongly condemns the appalling racist abuse received by Joe Willock on Instagram on Saturday evening. There is no room for racism anywhere. Joe has been given the club’s full support and we will continue to do all we can to ensure the welfare of our players, staff and supporters. The club has reported the abuse to Meta - the owners of Instagram, and urges all social media companies to do more to eradicate this behaviour from their platforms. The club has also reported the abuse to the police, and will support the strongest possible action against those responsible."

Willock's team-mate Alexander Isak also posted: "We win together, we lose together! Always with you brother Joe Willock. There's no room for racism."

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out last year received record-high reports of discrimination during the 2023-24 campaign, with levels of racism, sexism and misogyny rising. 1,332 incidents were reported across English football, representing a 32 per cent increase from the previous season.