12-year-old arrested over racist messages sent to Wilfried Zaha

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested in the UK in relation to racist abuse sent to Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha on social media.

The footballer was subject to online racist abuse ahead of The Eagles' Premier League fixture at Aston Villa on Sunday.

According to the West Midlands Police, the boy is from Solihull and an investigation is currently underway.

#ARRESTED| 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. pic.twitter.com/oFxBUvdtV1

— West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) July 12, 2020

In a statement, the Premier League said the "behaviour is completely unacceptable" and they "stand alongside Wilfried Zaha in opposing this, and discrimination in any form".

"We will continue to support players, managers, coaches and their family members who receive serious discriminatory online abuse."