Bright Osayi-Samuel: Police and Instagram no longer actively pursuing racist abuse case
Bright Osayi-Samuel, who played for QPR at the time, was racially abused on the social media platform after their 1-1 draw with Norwich in December; Police say Osayi-Samuel "declined to support any police action and so the case has been closed”
Thursday 11 March 2021 18:12, UK
The Metropolitan Police and Instagram are no longer actively pursuing an investigation into the racist abuse sent to Fenerbahce midfielder Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The 23-year-old, who played for QPR at the time, was racially abused on the social media platform after their 1-1 draw with Norwich on December 29. He posted a screenshot of the messages, describing it as "disgusting and painful".
The police and Instagram launched investigations, but both say 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."
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Instagram say they need victims of abuse, through direct messages, to report it "using the in-app tools" before they can take action.
Sky Sports News understands 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.
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Kick It Out reporting racism
Online Reporting Form | Kick It Out
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.
Kick It Out's new chief executive Tony Burnett recently sat down with Sky Sports to discuss the ongoing fight against online hate in football.
