05 November 2023 , 11:37
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Newcastle United have condemned vile racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock on social media following their 1-0 win over Arsenal.
Willock, who came through Arsenal's academy before joining Newcastle in 2021, shared screenshots of racist abuse he had been sent on Instagram. The 24-year-old posted two screenshots of racist messages on his Instagram story, writing: "It's a game of football mate no need for this".
He also shared a picture of a "show racism the red card" banner being displayed at St James' Park. " A statement from the club read: "Newcastle United strongly condemns racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimarães and Joe Willock via social media following Saturday's victory over Arsenal.
"Our message is clear. There is no room for racism in football or society. We are providing support to Bruno and Joe and will work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account."
Newcastle's victory was a controversial one, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta branding the decision to award Anthony Gordon's winner "embarrassing". Willock was directly involved in the goal as he kept the ball in play before Gordon scored.
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A lengthy VAR check was unable to confirm whether the ball had completely gone out of play or not and the goal was allowed to stand. There was also major controversy as Guimaraes avoided a red card for an apparent elbow on Jorginho.
"We didn't deserve to lose the match playing in their ground and we lose because of clear and obvious decisions," Arteta fumed in his post-match press conference. "It is embarrassing, it is a disgrace, that's what it is, a disgrace.
"We've been taking it up (with the PGMOL) for months. There is too much at stake, we put in so many hours. I'm here to represent the football club and to get my team to compete at the highest level, the margins are so small, it's a disgrace, embarrassing.
"It is how I feel. The amount of messages we've sent saying this cannot continue. I'm sorry, embarrassing. I'm defending my players when I have to, I defend my job when it is not good enough. I have to be here, to say it now, it is not acceptable, too much at stake.
"We have to talk about the result and talk about how the hell this goal stands. I feel embarrassed, I have to be the one to come in here and defend the club and ask for help because it is a disgrace that this goal is allowed."