It's disturbing how regular an occurrence this is
Anthony Martial was targeted with racist abuse on social media after Manchester United's match against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon.
United drew 1-1 with Sam Allardyce's team and Martial was withdrawn in the 66th minute, replaced by Mason Greenwood as the visitors searched for a winning goal.
The points were shared at the Hawthorns and what followed was a depressingly predictable episode of racism.
Sky Sports report that the comments on Martial's latest Instagram contained a number of racist comments that included offensive symbols and the N-word.
This is not the first time the Frenchman has been racially abused this season. He and fellow United players Marcus Rashford and Axel Tuanzebe are also among the lost list of names to have been subjected to such bile this season.
After United's home loss to Sheffield United at the end of January, the club felt compelled to issue a statement on their website due to the racist comments sent to some of their players.
The statement read: "Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night’s game.
"We utterly condemn it and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media also
"Manchester United has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and a long-standing commitment to campaigning against it through our
All Red All Equal initiative.
"Identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic. We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour."
Social media companies have pledged to do more in response to the recently intensified wave of racism, but it keeps happening. Temporarily locking accounts will not deter people so filled with hatred that they bring themselves to post these comments.
More drastic action is needed.
