Aston Villa have reported “sickening and abhorrent” online racist abuse of Ireland Under-19 winger Tyreik Wright to police.
Wright was subjected to the abuse on Instagram and the Premier League side said they had informed the social media platform along with West Midlands Police.
A club statement read: “Aston Villa Football Club is appalled by the racist abuse of one our academy players, Tyreik Wright.
"Tyreik, who is currently on loan at Walsall, received sickening and abhorrent messages via his Instagram account, messages which the club have reported to both the social media platform and West Midlands Police.
“The club is liaising with WMP's Hate Crime Unit who are now investigating this incident.
“Aston Villa will work alongside Walsall FC to provide Tyreik with any support he requires and will continue to do everything we can to report and help root out all forms of discrimination.”
The 19-year-old, who is currently on loan at Walsall, posted a news article about schoolchildren who avoided criminal charges for a racially-motivated attack on Thursday.
Wright subsequently received a number of racist messages.
He posted screenshots of the abuse on his Instagram account.
