Manchester United midfielder Fred has become the latest footballer to be subjected to racist abuse on social media following his side's FA Cup exit to Leicester City on Sunday.
Fred was at fault for Leicester's opening goal during the 3-1 defeat at the King Power Stadium. After the game, a number of racist messages were left on the Brazil international's Instagram account, some including a derogatory emoji.
Speaking after the final whistle, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to blame any of his players for the result and instead said his team lacked "spark."
"When we win, we win together, and when we lose, we lose together," he said. "We're not pointing fingers and blaming."
Fred is the latest United player to face racist abuse after other incidents this season involving Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe.
Fred and teammate Jesse Lingard were also racially abused during a 2-1 win at Manchester City in December 2019. United have previously released statements condemning the abuse directed at their players and branded those responsible as "mindless idiots."
Sources have told ESPN the club remain keen for social media companies to assume the lead in helping to protect their players, including taking steps to ensure accounts are verified rather than anonymous.
