Police arrest 12-yr-old over racist Zaha posts

West Midlands Police have arrested a 12-year-old boy after Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha received racist messages on social media ahead of the club's Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Zaha, 27, shared the obscene messages on Twitter before the match and Villa said they would investigate the incident with police.

After Villa's 2-0 win over Palace, a police statement read: "We were alerted to a series of racist messages sent to a footballer today and after looking into them and conducting checks, we have arrested a boy.

"The 12-year-old from Solihull has been taken to custody. Thanks to everyone who raised it. Racism won't be tolerated."

Earlier, Villa responded with a social media post: "We deplore the disgusting racist messages sent to Wilfried Zaha.

"We condemn all forms of racial discrimination and stand with Crystal Palace. We are working with the police in investigating this extremely serious matter and when the culprit is identified AVFC will issue a lifetime ban."

Palace also supported Zaha with a statement: "This is an absolute disgrace and should not be happening. We stand with you, Wilf, and anyone else who has to suffer such horrific abuse."

Before the match, Palace manager Roy Hodgson was asked about the incident and told Sky Sports: "It is very saddening on the day of a game that a player wakes up to this cowardly and despicable abuse.

"I think it is right that Wilf made people aware of it; I don't think it is something he should keep quiet about....(Read more)

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