Chris Wreh: Tamworth striker criticises club for 'lack of support' after being subjected to racist online abuse

Tamworth striker Chris Wreh has criticised the National League club for a "lack of public support" after being subjected to racist online abuse following Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Tottenham.

Wreh was a second-half substitute in the third-round tie, which Tottenham eventually won 3-0 after extra time.

The 28-year-old took to social media after the game to share a screenshot of the abuse he had received on Instagram.

His post on X read: "After an amazing day today, this is the last thing I expected to see when I opened Instagram. Nevertheless, thank you for all the support today. Fans were unreal."

Speaking on Tuesday, Wreh described the incident as "shameful", adding he was not available for Tamworth's game against Boldmere St Michaels because he felt "the club has not publicly supported" him.

He said: "Incidents like this highlight the ongoing issue of racism. It is shameful to be racially abused by someone simply because they lost a bet but sadly this happens all too often.

"Unfortunately, I will not be available for this evening's game. While I have the utmost respect for my manager [Andy Peaks], who has supported me throughout this issue, I am disappointed that the club has not publicly supported me yet, which has left me feeling confused and disappointed."

Wreh confirmed the police are aware of the incident and it is under investigation.

Tamworth later released a statement, insisting the club is 'in communication' with Wreh.

"We are aware of racist abuse that was sent via direct messenger on social media to our player Chris Wreh after the FA Cup match between Tamworth Football Club and Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday January 12, 2025.

"Club officials are continuing to liaise with our dedicated football officer and other policing partners to assist with their initial enquiries.

"Representing the club, Andy Peaks first team manager has been and continues to be in communication with Chris throughout this deplorable racial posting which has been recognised by Chris.

"We will continue to support Chris with the extensive work that's going on behind the scenes to bring the person responsible to justice.

"Tamworth Football Club and its management have and will always support its players against any sign of racism or discrimination so all players have trust within the club, for which they have all played a major role in the club's rapid growth, and recent FA Cup run.

"Racist abuse will never be tolerated and will be thoroughly investigated."

Kick It Out said in a statement: "We support Chris Wreh's decision to take time out from playing following the vile racist abuse he received online after Tamworth's FA Cup match against Tottenham on Sunday.

"It's concerning that Chris does not feel he has had the right level of support when faced with discrimination. When this happens, it's vital that it's taken seriously and players have the backing of their club, and from authorities so that the case can be investigated.

"His decision to call out this abuse was a selfless act to highlight the level and regularity of racism that players face online.

"He should be commended and, most importantly, supported for taking this action rather than being told to keep it internal. It's a collective responsibility for all of football and social media companies to end this abuse."

Sky Sports News has contacted Meta - which owns Instagram - for comment.