Both Aston Villa and Walsall have condemned racist abuse which Tyreik Wright received on Instagram this week.
The Ireland U19 international, who is on loan at League Two side Walsall from Aston Villa, posted on Tuesday regarding a news story about school children avoiding criminal charges for a racially-motivated attacked. He was subsequently sent what Villa called "sickening and abhorrent messages".
In a statement, Aston Villa said:
"Aston Villa Football Club is appalled by the racist abuse of one our academy players, Tyreik Wright.
"Tyreik, who is currently on loan at Walsall, received sickening and abhorrent messages via his Instagram account, messages which the club have reported to both the social media platform and West Midlands Police.
"The Club is liaising with WMP’s Hate Crime Unit who are now investigating this incident.
"Aston Villa will work alongside Walsall FC to provide Tyreik with any support he requires and will continue to do everything we can to report and help root out all forms of discrimination."
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
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