Leeds United have released a statement condemning racist abuse on social media targeted towards Italy international Wilfried Gnonto.
A derogatory comment was made online over the weekend, which has led the Yorkshire club to launch an investigation and inform the local police of the matter.
An official statement on the club’s website read: “A racist comment made on social media towards Willy Gnonto has been brought to our attention. Leeds United condemn this action in the strongest possible way.
“An investigation is now under way and the police have been notified. Racism will not be tolerated at Leeds United.
“The club will support Willy and anyone else connected to our club who experiences racism or any form of discrimination.”
Gnonto started Leeds’ first game of the Championship season against Cardiff on August 6, but has not featured for them in any competition since.
Multiple reports in recent weeks have linked the 19-year-old with a move away from Elland Road this summer, following the club’s relegation to the second division at the end of 2022-23.
Gnonto has reportedly handed in an official transfer request to Leeds and seems determined not to spend the 2023-24 campaign in the Championship, but his current employers are not willing to let him leave.
It is believed that a number of teams in the Premier League, particularly Everton, as well as some in Serie A, most recently Roma, have been considering a move for the former Inter academy player.