This marks the second instance in under a year that Willock has highlighted racist messages on Instagram, the previous incident occurring after a February defeat to Fulham.

Newcastle United condemned racist abuse and violent threats directed at midfielder Joe Willock on Instagram following a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace and have reported the incidents to the police.

The club stated it will fully support the investigation and is working to identify the person responsible, offering support to Willock in the process.

Head coach Eddie Howe has previously spoken out against Willock’s abuse, reinforcing the club’s stance against such conduct.

Willock shared screenshots of the messages, which contained racial slurs and threatening content towards him and his family, prompting a strong club response and calls for action from social media platforms.

Newcastle emphasized the need for social-media companies to provide police with information quickly to identify perpetrators and vowed to stand with Willock and others facing similar abuse.

Northumbria Police confirmed an investigation is underway, in collaboration with the UK Football Policing Unit, and condemned all forms of discrimination.

Newcastle called on Meta (Instagram’s owner) to take swift and meaningful action beyond content removal or filters, to aid in prosecuting those who misuse social media to break the law.

The club reiterated that removing content and applying filters are insufficient and urged Meta to provide police with information to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.

Meta was contacted for comment.

The club pledged to stand with Willock and others facing abuse and to push for faster information sharing with law enforcement.

Willock, 26, had missed a late chance in the Palace game when the messages were sent; the abuse included racial slurs and threats to him and his family.