Southampton condemn ‘abhorrent’ racist abuse aimed at teenager Alex Jankewitz

Southampton’s Alex Jankewitz, right, leaves the pitch after being shown a red card. Picture: Phil Noble/PA

Southampton have condemned the “abhorrent” racist abuse aimed at midfielder Alex Jankewitz on social media after Tuesday’s loss to Manchester United and are liaising with police.

The 19-year-old was sent off inside 90 seconds of his first start on Tuesday evening, with Saints going on to fall to a record-equalling 9-0 Premier League defeat by Manchester United.

Jankewitz subsequently became the latest in a string of players to be subjected to sickening online abuse, with monkey emojis and racist terms directed at him on social media.

#SaintsFC has identified a number of social media posts directing racist abuse at one of the club's players, and is reporting these to police.

Abuse of any form will never be tolerated at our club.

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) February 3, 2021

A statement from the club read: “Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has identified a number of posts on social media directing racial abuse at our 19-year-old midfielder Alex Jankewitz, following last night’s result at Manchester United.

“Abuse of any form will never be tolerated at Southampton.

Jankewitz was sent off only 90 seconds into the match (Laurence Griffiths/PA)

“Our club prides itself on its inclusive nature, and supporters who stoop to such abhorrent and archaic standards are not welcome as Southampton supporters, or anywhere else within football.

“The club will continue to fight every day to remove such people from our sport and our community in order to protect our players, our staff, Southampton fans and football supporters around the world who recognise and celebrate the diversity that makes football special.

“The club is passing on all abusive messages to Hampshire Police and hope they are able to permanently remove those individuals from our football community.”