Chelsea star Reece James deletes his Instagram account after vile racist abuse

Chelsea defender Reece James has deleted his Instagram account, almost six weeks after sharing some of the disgusting racist abuse he received on social media.

The England star posted a screenshot of the abusive messages he received back on January 29, writing ‘Something needs to change!’ alongside the image.

In a series of direct messages on Instagram, James was called a ‘monkey’ and asked how he could live with ‘f****** dirty black skin’.

Chelsea defender Reece James, pictured in action against Everton, has deleted his Instagram

The England star shared a selection of the racist messages he received earlier this season

James now appears to have deleted his account in response to the abuse, having previously called on social media companies to do more to stop online trolls. 

He also tweeted ‘No room for RACISM!!’ after initially sharing the vile messages in late January.

Commenting on a post about James getting rid of his Instagram account, his team-mate and friend, Mason Mount, wrote: ‘A lot more needs to be done, simply not acceptable!’

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wrote to every player in the wake of James sharing the messages to tell them that he is ‘appalled’ at the abuse. He also pledged to provide additional funding for the club’s anti-racism efforts.

Abramovich wrote: ‘I am appalled by the racist abuse targeted at Reece on social media.

‘Racism has no place in our club nor in our society. Our club is committed to fighting racism, antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wrote to every Chelsea player after James was abused

Abramovich said he was ‘appalled’ at the abuse of James in a letter and pledged his support

‘It shocks me that only days after we commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day, we as a society do not seem to have learned the lessons of our shared past and the consequences that hate and discrimination can have.

‘We cannot allow this to continue unchecked. I have therefore directed the board to further increase the club’s efforts in this area and I will personally direct more funds towards this important work.’

Abramovich concluded the letter by saying he wants Chelsea to ‘do more to challenge discrimination at our club, in our communities and in the world around us’.

‘Rest assured,’ he adds, ‘we will play a leading role in this vital work and demonstrate that football is a sport that is open to all’.

A club statement at the time read: ‘Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening.

‘This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it. In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.

‘We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour. Something needs to change and it needs to change now.’

More to follow.