Luton issue incredible statement daring 'coward' behind racial abuse of Elijah Adebayo to 'have the balls to come to Kenilworth Road and say it to his face'

The racially charged message was sent to the 26-year-old footballer on Instagram following Luton Town’s 2-1 loss to Sunderland in the Championship. Luton Town confirmed that the abuse has been reported to the police and to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, in an effort to ensure proper investigation and justice.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident for Adebayo. Over the past few years, the Luton striker has faced repeated instances of racial abuse, both online and in person. In October 2022, Luton Town first spoke out against the ongoing harassment directed at Adebayo, calling for an end to discrimination after the player was targeted in three separate racist incidents in less than 12 months. The club issued another statement later that same month following Adebayo’s receipt of racially abusive messages after a 1-0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Further reports of abuse followed shortly after a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.

In their latest statement, titled "Is it ever going to stop?", Luton expressed frustration and anger at the continued racial abuse aimed at their player.

"At 8.28 pm BST on Wednesday evening, an account in the UK on Instagram messaged Elijah with a racist comment," they wrote.

"After Elijah notified us following last night’s game with Sunderland, in which he scored his first goal of the season, we reported the incident to the Police and to Meta. It is now being investigated. Just like we said a year ago, and just like we will do WHENEVER a player or staff member is subjected to abuse, we will stand by and support Elijah unequivocally.

"To the individual who cowardly dropped into Elijah’s DMs: We know who you are and you know who you are. You’re not a faceless account, one which we have sadly become accustomed to reporting in recent years. But as if you have the balls to come to Kenilworth Road and say it to his face. We dare you. If you do, you’ll be faced with everyone at Luton Town Football Club, standing side-by-side with Elijah. Abuse of any kind is unacceptable. But does everyone know that? It’s why we are doing our bit to educate everyone that racism and all forms of abuse is abhorrent and unacceptable."

Luton Town has not been passive in the fight against discrimination. The club outlined several initiatives they have undertaken to address racism and raise awareness. Earlier in the week, players Jacob Brown and Mads Andersen led an anti-discrimination workshop at a local school, further demonstrating the club’s proactive stance on the issue.

"Only last week Jacob Brown and Mads Andersen visited Ferrars Junior School in Luton to take part in an anti-discrimination workshop, put on by the Luton Town Community Trust as part of the EFL’s Together Against Racism campaign. We published the video below on Wednesday," they said.

"We are all Luton and we will continue to support and champion these initiatives until such time that the message gets through to the ignorant minority. But the question remains: how much longer will our players, our heroes – fellow human beings for crying out loud – be targeted because of the colour of their skin? There is NO room for racism."

Luton's passionate response highlighted the club's commitment to combating racism, especially during Black History Month when the focus is on celebrating the achievements of black individuals and acknowledging the continued challenges they face. The Hatters return to action on Saturday against Coventry in the Championship.