14-year-old boy who sent racist messages referred to Youth Offending by Staffs Police
He sent racist remarks to Sheffield United footballer Rhian Brewster
Staffordshire Police have referred a 14-year-old boy to Youth Offending services after he racially abused Sheffield United striker Rhian Brewster.
Local police were handed the case by South Yorkshire Police who contacted them over reports of racist messages being directed at the footballer.
A statement to PA news agency from Staffordshire police read: "In June 2021, colleagues from South Yorkshire Police contacted us regarding a report of online racist abuse of a footballer."
"Following enquiries, a 14-year-old boy was located and spoken to by officers."
"He has accepted responsibility and in line with the victim's wishes, has been referred to Youth Offending Services."
Youth offending teams are part of the local council structure, separate from the police and the courts. They work with young people who get into trouble with the law and try to help them stay away from crime.
Instagram, the social media platform where the racist messages were sent, urged footballers and all other victims of racist abuse to report incidents to them so they can take correct measures.
The social media platform also stressed attacks on race, religion, nationality and sexual orientation will not be tolerated after its owners Facebook announced tougher penalties will be imposed.
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