Yan Dhanda was racially abused on social media following Swansea's loss to Manchester City; Facebook opted not to remove the account from which the abuse was sent; Tan Dhesi MP tells SSN episode is a "grim reminder of the challenges faced by British South Asian players like Yan Dhanda"
Sunday 14 February 2021 19:48, UK
Swansea midfielder Yan Dhanda says Facebook's decision to keep open the account of the person who racially abused him on social media has provided "more fuel for hate".
The incident occurred following Swansea's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, with Dhanda becoming the latest in a long list of footballers to recently suffer abuse on social media.
However, Facebook says the person responsible will only be temporarily blocked from sending Instagram messages and not have their account shut down.
"The punishment given to the perpetrator actually gives more fuel for hate as now they know for sure there are no firm consequences to their actions online," Dhanda, who is of British-Indian background, wrote on Twitter.
"His dm's may be restricted but the ramifications of his actions continue to ripple through our community."
One of the country's most recognisable British South Asian MPs, Shadow Rail Minister and MP for Slough Tan Dhesi, told Sky Sports News on Sunday: "Such racism is sadly all too common and a grim reminder of the challenges faced by British South Asian players like Yan Dhanda, but the authorities are just not taking the issue seriously enough."
Facebook's decision also shocked his club Swansea, who issued a statement they say is backed by the English Football League (EFL).
The statement said: "Swansea City is shocked and surprised by the leniency shown by Facebook towards one of their users who racially abused a member of our playing squad.
"The abhorrent level of abuse that we have witnessed this week means that once again we seek stronger action from social media companies in order to stamp this type of toxic behaviour out and we fully back the EFL's open letter that was sent to Twitter and Facebook in light of recent events.
"It is appalling that Facebook cannot empathise more with the victim of such offensive messages and Yan Dhanda continues to have our full support at the football club as we work with South Wales Police to assist in their ongoing
investigation."
Instagram owner Facebook, responding to the Dhanda case, said this week: "We do not want racism and hate on our platforms.
"The person who sent this message has been restricted from sending messages on Instagram for a set period of time, and we will remove new accounts created to get around this restriction.
"We think it's important people have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes but, per the new measures put in place this week, if they continue to break our rules this account will be removed."
Dhanda, 22, responded to the racist abuse by writing on Twitter: "How can this STILL be happening in 2021? I'm so proud of who I am and representing Asians. More has to be done!#NOTORACISM".
Manchester United players Marcus Rashford, Axel Tuanzebe, Anthony Martial and Lauren James are among those who have been the targets of racist abuse on social media, along with West Brom's Romaine Sawyers and Chelsea defender Reece James - Lauren's brother.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce said on Thursday he had been made aware of social media users wishing him dead, while referee Mike Dean asked not to officiate a Premier League game this weekend after he and his family received death threats.
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Kick It Out is football's equality and inclusion organisation - working throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices, and campaign for positive change.
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