After failing to convert a penalty in their loss to Club Brugge in the Belgium Pro League, Genk’s Nigerian forward, Tolu Arokodare, has been subjected to online racism.
The game took place at the Cegeka Arena, where fifth-placed Genk hosted third-placed Brugge, aiming to surpass them in the league standings with a victory.
In the 18th minute of the game, Arokodare, with eight goals in 10 starts for Genk this season, had the opportunity to put his team ahead from the penalty spot.
However, his shot missed, swinging the momentum in favour of Club Brugge, who eventually sealed a 3-0 victory with goals from Hugo Vetlesen in the 18th minute, and two more in the 73rd and 85th minutes.
After the defeat, Arokodare faced racial abuse on social media from certain individuals expressing their displeasure.
Nigerian Paris based sport journalist, Ojora Babatunde, shared screenshots of these incidents on his X account on Sunday.
Babatunde condemned the abuse, highlighting the unacceptable behaviour of certain Genk fans wrote, “Genk #KRCGenkofficial forward, Tolu Arokodare #toluarokodare has been the victim of racial insults on social media by some Genk fans today for losing a penalty against Club Brugge #ClubBrugge in the early minutes of the game. This is unacceptable!!”
In the winter transfer window of 2023, Genk signed Tolu Arokodare as a replacement for another Nigerian striker, Paul Onuachu, who moved to Southampton.
Since joining, Arokodare has scored 13 goals for Genk in 50 appearances.
