**Racism mars Premier League, as Arokodare faces online abuse** In a disheartening display, Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare was subjected to racist taunts on social media following the Super Eagles' 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for an end to this scourge of the football world. This is not an isolated incident. The internet has become a breeding ground for hate speech, with fans targeting players with racist and abusive messages. Emmanuel Okoduwa, a former Nigerian international and father of a Wolves player, has spoken out against this trend. He expressed his shock at the persistence of online racism, despite efforts to curb it. Okoduwa emphasized that Arokodare's mistake in missing a penalty should not be a reason for abuse. "He is doing his best for the team, and we should be supporting him, not tearing him down," he said. His words echo the sentiment of many who believe that football fans should be a source of encouragement, not hate. The recent incident involving Vinícius Júnior, who faced racist abuse in a match last week, highlights the need for action. Okoduwa's statement serves as a reminder that we, as a football community, have a responsibility to create a welcoming environment for all players. "We should do better as a community to make everyone feel at ease," he said. As Nigeria grapples with its own issues of racism and xenophobia, the football world must take a stand against this scourge. Okoduwa's words of wisdom are a timely reminder that we must strive for a more inclusive and respectful sporting culture. Only then can we truly say that football is a game for all, regardless of our background or nationality.