The investigation into online racist abuse directed at Rangers players Djeidi Gassama and Emmanuel Fernandez is now underway, with Police Scotland confirming they are treating the matter seriously. The club released a strong statement on Monday, February 23, 2026, condemning the vile attacks and offering full support to both players. This incident is the latest in a disturbing trend of racial abuse targeting footballers, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating online hate and protecting athletes from harassment.
Rangers confirmed that both Gassama and Fernandez had been subjected to racist comments on social media following the team’s 2-2 draw with Livingston. The club emphasized the unacceptable nature of the abuse, stating, “For any player, opening a phone and seeing abuse tied to the colour of their skin is simply unacceptable.” The accounts responsible appear to be anonymous and unconnected to the club, a factor Rangers acknowledged could complicate efforts to accept action, but does not diminish the severity of the situation or the responsibility of the social media platforms involved.
Rangers’ Response and Player Support
The immediate priority for Rangers is the wellbeing of Gassama and Fernandez. The club is in direct contact with both players, providing support and offering assistance with any future judicial process. Rangers were quick to praise the players for speaking out against the abuse, stating they are proud of their commitment and pride in representing the club. The club also welcomed the outpouring of support from fans, emphasizing that it reflects the values of Rangers: pride in the shirt, respect for those who wear it and a commitment to standing together.
Djeidi Gassama, a 22-year-old winger born in Mauritania, joined Rangers in 2025, having previously played for Sheffield Wednesday, where he scored 10 goals in 78 appearances. According to his Wikipedia profile, Gassama has also represented France at the youth international level. Emmanuel Fernandez, known affectionately as “Manny” by fans, has also been a key player for the team.
A Wider Pattern of Abuse
This incident isn’t isolated. Just last month, Livingston FC wrote to the Scottish FA regarding an alleged racial comment directed at striker Jeremy Bokila during a match against Aberdeen. Over the weekend, several other footballers in England faced similar abuse. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana were targeted after their match at Stamford Bridge, while Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle also received racist messages on social media.
The scale of the problem extends beyond these recent cases. A BBC investigation in November revealed that over 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts, including threats of violence, were sent to players and managers in the Premier League and Women’s Super League in a single weekend. This underscores the pervasive nature of online abuse within the sport.
Government and Platform Response
The issue has garnered attention at the highest levels of government. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the abuse as “abhorrent” and reiterated the Prime Minister’s support for footballers who arrive forward to report discrimination. English top-flight clubs are reportedly working with social media companies, including Meta, the Premier League, and the police, to identify those responsible for the abuse. Meta has stated its commitment to protecting users from abuse, and ministers are expected to hold the company accountable for delivering on that promise.
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has described the weekend as “appalling,” but acknowledged that such incidents are sadly commonplace. The organization continues to advocate for stronger measures to combat online hate and protect footballers from abuse.
What’s Next?
Police Scotland’s investigation is ongoing, and the club is cooperating fully with authorities. Rangers have not released details about the specific nature of the abuse or the platforms where it occurred, citing the ongoing investigation. The focus remains on supporting Gassama and Fernandez and ensuring their wellbeing. The club has stated it will provide updates as appropriate, and will continue to work with relevant authorities to address the issue of online abuse.
The wider football community will be watching closely to see what action is taken in this case, and whether it will lead to meaningful change in the fight against online racism. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain in creating a safe and inclusive environment for players and fans alike.
If you or someone you know has been affected by online abuse, resources are available. Please sense free to share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
