EFL chairman Rick Parry has added his voice to those calling for social media platforms to take greater culpability in the fight against online racism.

Wanderers striker Elias Kachunga was targeted by a string of sickening messages in a week where football bodies, including Kick It Out, have called for some form of verification to be supplied for all online social media accounts.

Kachunga is one of many footballers who have been subjected to racist taunts from ‘anonymous’ accounts – and EFL chairman Rick Parry believes social media networks such as Twitter and Instagram need to implement more stringent controls to enable such abuse to be properly punished.

He said: “In a week when the shortcomings of social media platforms have been highlighted once again, it is sickening to see the vitriolic racist abuse directed at Bolton Wanderers' Elias Kachunga.

“The EFL stands together with Elias, Bolton Wanderers and all those who continue to be targeted by these mindless idiots and we will continue to work proactively as we attempt to remove this unacceptable behaviour and protect our people.

“There are clearly multiple solutions required to fix the social media challenge we currently face and following football’s collective call to strengthen the draft of the Online Safety Bill earlier today, we once again have to remind the platforms that they have a responsibility and the power to implement the changes required.”

Kachunga’s abuse came less than 24 hours after a 0-0 draw with Burton Albion, although it is understood that the Instagram account responsible had no discernible connection to the Brewers.

Nevertheless, the League One club voiced their own disapproval of the comments, stating on Twitter: “Burton Albion are shocked to hear of the sickening abuse directed to @officialBWFC’s Elias Kachunga after our game on Monday night. We fully support Elias, Bolton and along with all @EFL clubs are proud to back the #TogetherAgainstDiscrimination campaign. Enough is enough.”