Former QPR Nigerian descent forward, Bright Osayi-Samuel who was racially abused on the social media platform after their 1-1 draw with Norwich in December before his eventual move to Fernabache in January has questioned police’s handling of reported cases of racism.
He posted a screenshot of the messages, describing it as “disgusting and painful” but the police and Instagram launched investigations as both revealed that they have been unable to take action against the user for various reasons.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told Sky Sports News: “Police received a third party report of racial and abusive messages directed at a person via social media on 30 December 2020. The comments are believed to have been posted the previous day.
“Officers made repeated attempts to contact the alleged victim with a view to taking a statement. However, he declined to support any police action and so the case has been closed.”
Instagram says they need victims of abuse, through direct messages, to report it “using the in-app tools” before they can take action.
As reported, the social media company has reached out to Osayi-Samuel, through his new club Fenerbahce, to explain their protocols for reporting abuse in direct messages.
