David McGoldrick experienced the highlight of his season last weekend, netting a brace as Sheffield United secured a 3-0 win over Chelsea. This was the first occasion the striker hit the back of the net in the Premier League, finally getting the goals that his play has deserved.
However, the next day he would be met with some sickening abuse. McGoldrick received a disgusting message on Instagram, being racially abused by the sender.
A message aimed at David McGoldrick. Absolutely disgusting! 🤬
Who in the right mind would think it’s a good idea to send something like that? It’s 2020 for goodness sake.
If any of the Blades fans are like this MMA moron, get out of our club, you’re not wanted! 👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/RawaBzrGdu— Gem 💎 (@GemTollerfield) July 12, 2020
The message is being investigated by Sheffield United and the relevant authorities, but this is far from an isolated incident in the world of football.
Wilfried Zaha was also at the end of similar abuse before Crystal Palace's game against Aston Villa. A 12-year old boy was subsequently arrested in relation to the messages.
This is clearly a persistent problem in society, and speaking on Talksport, McGoldrick's club and international teammate John Egan said more had to be done to ensure these offenders are educated on the consequences of their actions.
“In this day and age things like [the abuse] is shocking.”
“Clubs & authorities are doing something about it which is a positive.”
“The quicker we can educate people the better, really.”
John Egan slams the abuse sent to #SUFC teammate David McGoldrick pic.twitter.com/JKPZH6nfxX— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 16, 2020
In this day and age, things like that are shocking. It's getting highlighted now and the clubs and authorities are doing things about it.
It's obviously really bad what's happening these days with stuff like that. The quicker they can educate people and try to get rid of it the better.
Sheffield United also came out with a strong statement after the incident, saying change was desperately needed.
As a club we will support David McGoldrick and will do all we can to find the perpetrator of this disgusting message.
We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure the person behind this post is brought to justice.
This cannot continue. Something needs to change.
