SHARON Brittan has called for social media companies to do more to root out and ban racists from their platforms after Bolton Wanderers striker Elias Kachunga was targeted by sickening abuse.

The Wanderers chairman sent a message out on the club’s official website to confirm the club would be doing everything it could to assist the police in finding the person responsible.

It is understood a series of messages containing racist language were sent to Kachunga on Tuesday, the day after his side had draw 0-0 with Burton Albion.

“Racism and hatred have no place at all in society and I was sickened to the core on hearing this disgusting abuse directed at one of our players,” said Brittan.

“I have spoken with Elias and his partner and they are understandably upset by these messages.

“My immediate thoughts are with them, as well as his team-mates who are repulsed by the language that was used.

“We as a Club stand firm in saying that racism and discrimination will not be tolerated and we have reported this to the Police and relevant authorities. I have also spoken with the EFL today regarding future steps we can take together to eradicate this hatred from our game.

“I will be relentless in making sure that everything is done to help identify and prosecute the perpetrator.”

Equality campaigners Kick It Out this morning made recommendations to the Government to strengthen the existing Online Safety Bill, backed by former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

Wanderers boss Ian Evatt says the club will give Kachunga all the support he needs.

“I was appalled when I heard that Elias had received these disgraceful posts. Any right-minded person will have been as sickened as we were.

“We as a society must do more to show that racism and discrimination will never be tolerated and social media companies have to make people accountable for what they post on their platforms.

“Elias has the full support of everyone at the club and we hope that whoever sent these awful messages to him is dealt with appropriately.”

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