More must be done to combat online racism says Sheffield United player

The Football Association issued a strong 127-word statement in the light of racist abuse being directed towards Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe - also on the receiving end of racism last month.

United Women forward Lauren James, the sister of Chelsea defender Reece has also been subjected to racist abuse online in recent weeks.

Manchester-born Bryan said: “It is going too far. It has been a problem for a long time now. Obviously, I am a black person and understand what a lot of players are going through at this moment in time.

“Obviously, after the United game (against Sheffield United), I saw that Axel Tuanzebe received some abuse and then again after the Everton game.

“It is just not right. We go on social media to express how we are as people and try and give people the best image of us and not to get abuse off fans whoever it may be. It is a game of football, at the end of the day and no-one can do anything about their skin colour.

“Something needs to happen now. Whether that means the FA or Government, I am not sure.

“I know they are speaking right now about big punishments if things (continue to) happen. But we are hearing that again and again and something needs to happen now.”

While not being on the receiving end of individual abuse, Bryan - during his time at Manchester City - was a member of City’s under-21 side who walked off the pitch after the club and coach Patrick Vieira took the decision to abandon a pre-season friendly against Croatian side HNK Rijeka in 2014 after Seko Fofana was allegedly the victim of racist abuse.

Despite the recent examples of abuse of black players online, Bryan has no plans to remove himself from social media, but understands why many players are considering whether to do so in the light of recent events.

He said: “I personally enjoy using social media and like using it in my free time. But I kind of understand why some players are hinting to come off and why this debate is happening because enough is enough.

“We are out there to play football and do our best for our clubs wherever we are at. It is not part of something we want to be associated with."

On whether he has plans to stop using social media, he said: “No, because that is them winning and getting what they want - a reaction from you. Being a black player, I understand the difficulties. Some of my friends have been racially abused and I walked off the pitch when I was at Manchester City as a young lad and I know it is not good.”