Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt subject to racist abuse on social media
Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt has called for social media companies to do more in the fight against racism after being sent vile abuse on social media.
Van Aanholt took to Twitter on Friday evening to reveal a racially abusive message sent to him on Instagram.
"This is not about me," Van Aanholt wrote above the screenshot of the abuse.
"I've got enough love and I'm blessed in my life to not let stuff like this upset me BUT it really ain't on and I stand for those that can't defend themselves and have to deal with this sh*t daily. SOCIAL MEDIA you are accountable for this!!"
He added: "@instagram sort it out because we are sick and tired of being sick and tired."
Van Aanholt's Crystal Palace team-mate Wilfried Zaha was also sent racist abuse on social media prior to the club's Premier League meeting against Aston Villa last month and subsequently stressed the need for "action, education and change".
Zaha said: "People need to understand that whatever your age, your behaviour and your words come with consequences and you cannot hide behind social media.
"It is important social media platforms do as they did yesterday and seek out these individuals and remove them.
"This is not the first time I have received messages like this, nor am I the only player to receive messages like this, it happens every day.
"I want to thank everyone for the love and support but enough is enough! It is not enough to be disgusted by these messages I received and move on. It isn't enough just to say #notoracism.
"We need action, we need education, things need to change."
