Hull City Condemns Racist Abuse of New Signing Robinio Vaz

Hull City’s unveiling of Robinio Vaz, a 19-year-old striker on loan from Roma, should have been a straightforward welcome to English football. Instead, it was poisoned by a wave of racist abuse that forced the club to pull its own announcement from social media.

The post, published on Tuesday to confirm Vaz’s season-long loan, was deleted after discriminatory messages flooded the replies. The reaction inside the club was immediate and furious.

In a strongly worded statement, Hull branded the messages as “abhorrent racist abuse” and confirmed they are now working with Humberside Police and other authorities to track down those responsible. The club said it is determined to “identify the accounts responsible for this disgusting abuse”.

Hull stressed that Vaz, a French forward who scored once in Serie A last season, will not face this alone.

No individual should ever experience discriminatory abuse, and the club will provide Robinio with our full support.

The statement read, underlining the backing being offered to the teenager as he arrives in a new league and a new country.

The club also reiterated its stance on discrimination, making clear this is not a line they are prepared to see crossed.

Hull City has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of discrimination, and in the last 24 hours we have been in communication with the Premier League, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out and the relevant social media companies.

We stand with Robinio and encourage all supporters to continue to report any form of discrimination.

The deal bringing Vaz from Roma includes an option to buy at the end of the season. His future on the pitch will be judged by goals, movement, and performances. Off it, Hull have drawn a hard line: racism will be confronted, reported, and pursued.