Mason Holgate (centre) was initially shown a yellow card but referee Stuart Atwell upgraded it to red on VAR advice
Sheffield United have condemned racist abuse suffered by defender Mason Holgate on social media following Sunday’s defeat by Brighton.
Holgate, who is on loan from Everton, shared some of the abuse he received on his Instagram account.
He was sent off in the first half for a high challenge on Kaoru Mitoma, with the Blades going on to lose 5-0.
“As a sport and society we need to do more and there needs to be consequences for racism,” said the 27-year-old.
“I can only apologise for letting my team-mates, club and fans down on the weekend and have done so this week personally.
“However, the last 48 hours have been difficult to take [with] the constant racist abuse across my social media.”
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The club said: “Sheffield United condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the racist abuse received by Mason Holgate following Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion.
“We will support Mason and applaud him bringing this to light on social media. The club will work with relevant bodies to investigate. There is no room for racism in our game.”
Holgate’s parent club Everton said: “Such abuse is vile and will not and should not be tolerated. The club offers Mason its full support and praises his actions for speaking out.
“We must all take a zero-tolerance stance by reporting such behaviour to social media platforms and the authorities. Racism has no place online, in our stadia or in our communities.”
Holgate has made three appearances for Sheffield United since joining on loan from the Toffees, having had a loan spell at Championship club Southampton cut short last month.
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