Hull City condemns racist abuse of Robinio Vaz

Hull City’s unveiling of Robinio Vaz should have been a straightforward welcome to English football for a 19-year-old striker eager to prove himself. Instead, it was poisoned by a torrent of racist abuse that has forced the club into a hard, public stance.

The Championship side announced Vaz’s season-long loan from Roma on social media on Tuesday. The post did not stay up for long. Hull later deleted it after the comments section filled with racist messages aimed at the French forward.

The club did not mince its words in response, branding the abuse “abhorrent” and “disgusting” and confirming it has already moved to involve the authorities. Hull said it is working with Humberside Police and other bodies to track down those responsible for the messages.

No individual should ever experience discriminatory abuse, and the club will provide Robinio with our full support.

Hull stressed that it operates a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind. The club confirmed it has been in contact over the last 24 hours with the Premier League, anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out and the relevant social media companies as it pushes for action against the accounts involved.

We stand with Robinio and encourage all supporters to continue to report any form of discrimination.

Vaz arrives from Roma with one Serie A goal to his name from last season and a point to prove. His loan deal includes an option to buy at the end of the campaign – a long-term footballing decision now overshadowed by an ugly reminder of the battles still being fought off the pitch.