Callum Robinson – Fortunebets

Republic of Ireland striker Callum Robinson has been subjected to racial abuse online following his starring role in West Brom’s victory at Chelsea on Saturday.

West Brom have confirmed the matter has been reported to police.

Robinson posted a screenshot of the offensive messages he received on Instagram after the Baggies’ Premier League success at Stamford Bridge.

The 26-year-old had scored twice as relegation-threatened West Brom pulled off a stunning 5-2 win over the fourth-placed Londoners.

A statement from the club read: “West Bromwich Albion have contacted West Midlands Police to report racist social media posts directed at Callum Robinson following Saturday’s 5-2 win over Chelsea.

“The despicable Instagram posts were sent in reply to the Republic of Ireland international after he scored twice in a memorable team performance at Stamford Bridge.

“The club is appalled by the messages and will offer Callum the help and support he may require in response to the incident.

“Albion will continue to confront all forms of discrimination and will assist the authorities with their inquiries, seeking the toughest available legal punishment.

“It is deeply disturbing that scoring two goals in a football match can provoke a reaction of this kind. There is No Room For Racism. Anywhere. Challenge it, report it, change it.”

Robinson is the latest in a long line of footballers to be abused on social media, including Marcus Rashford, Reece James and Baggies team-mate Romaine Sawyers.

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has insisted he does not feel cursed after losing striker Callum Robinson to a positive coronavirus test on the eve of the friendly clash with England.

The West Brom striker is self-isolating a month after a series of positive Covid-19 results wrecked Kenny’s plans for the Euro 2020 play-off semi-final clash with Slovakia and the Nations League fixtures against Wales and Finland.

Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah were forced to miss Ireland’s defeat in Slovakia after sitting too close on the team’s aeroplane to a member of staff who later tested positive for coronavirus.

Asked if he felt cursed, the Ireland manager said: ‘No, absolutely not. This is the way of the world at the moment. People are talking about a vaccine being imminent and 90 per cent proof, all that sort of headlines there have been recent days, so hopefully this situation is temporary throughout the world.

‘In Callum’s case, he came in and on the first test he’s tested positive. He wasn’t feeling unwell, so it’s just unfortunate for him, really.’

The players, it was later revealed, were sat in the wrong seats on the plane.

Connolly will again be missing after picking up a hamstring injury and Kenny admitted his absence, along with Robinson’s was a blow ahead of Thursday’s game and the Nations League double-header against Wales and Bulgaria.

He said: ‘It is the case that we’re disappointed, but you’ve got to deal with whatever comes your way.

‘We’re thrilled at a great three games for us, playing England at Wembley, playing Wales in Cardiff and playing back in the Aviva Stadium against Bulgaria.

Three games in six days is terrific and terrific games to play in for the players, so we’re looking forward to the games.’