Genk and Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare faced a barrage of online vitriol and racial abuse after his penalty miss contributed to the team’s defeat against Club Brugge.
In the Belgium Pro League clash, Genk, sitting in the 5th position, had the opportunity to overtake the 3rd-placed Club Brugge at Cegeka Arena. Arokodare, who had netted eight goals in 10 starts for Genk that season, was entrusted with a penalty kick in the 18th minute to secure an early lead for the hosts.
Unfortunately, the 23-year-old Nigerian’s attempt missed the target, leading to a shift in momentum. Club Brugge capitalized on the opportunity, with Hugo Vetlesen scoring to put them in front. The visitors went on to score two more goals in the 73rd and 85th minutes, sealing a decisive 3-0 victory.
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Following the defeat, Arokodare became the target of racial abuse from certain individuals expressing their displeasure. These offenders took to Instagram to launch racist attacks against the Nigerian striker. Screenshots capturing these incidents were later shared by Nigerian journalist Ojora Babatunde.
Arokodare had joined Genk during the winter transfer window of 2023, serving as a replacement for another Nigerian striker, Paul Onuachu, who had departed for Southampton. In his time with Genk, Arokodare had accumulated 13 goals in 50 appearances.