ONLINE ABUSE PEPORT : FOOTBALL

LONDON : EPL launches dedicated reporting system to flag discriminatory messages : Players, managers and coaching staff will be able to flog up serious discriminatory abuse through a dedicated reporting system, the Premier League announced on Wednesday.

Targeting direct messages received on social media platforms, the Premier League says the central rapid response reporting system could lead to legal action where appropriate.

''Online discriminatory abuse is unacceptable  in any walk of life and tackling this issue must be a priority,'' Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said on Wednesday.

''There are too many instances of footballers and their families receiving appalling discriminatory messages; nobody should have to deal with this.''

Each case will be reviewed, reported to the relevant social media company and investigated.

Master highlighted the racist abuse recently received online by former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright, saying the new system will help track down the perpetrator.

''The Premier League strongly condemns this deeply offensive behavior. We immediately implemented our reporting system and will support Ian in any endeavour to bring the offenders to justice,'' Masters said.

''The Premier League will not tolerate discriminatory behavior in any form and we alongside the FA, EFL, PFA and LMA will continue to challenge major social media companies that fail to do enough to block offensive discriminatory material and identify and ban offenders from their platforms.''

The growth of social media has fuelled discriminatory abuse of footballers in recent years.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogha have both been victims while Watford's Troy Deeney claims he was ignored when he reported monkey emojis directed at him on social media. [Reuters]