Newcastle condemn Meta after racist threats sent to Joe Willock | OneFootball

Newcastle have condemned racist abuse of Joe Willock on Instagram after the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, urging Meta to do more. According to the BBC, police have opened an investigation.

Willock, 26, came on late and missed a chance near the end of the match.

Later that evening, an Instagram user sent him violent racist messages and threats against him and his family.

Newcastle reported the case to police and will fully support efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible, wherever they are. The club also pressed Instagram’s parent company to share information swiftly and accused it of loosening moderation in recent years.

The club says deleting content and message filters are not enough, and that social platforms must better protect users and support prosecutions. Willock shared the abuse in his Instagram story, adding that he was praying the sender and their family find God and receive mercy.

He previously received racist messages in February 2025 after a 1-2 defeat to Fulham.

Source: L'Équipe