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Blackpool FC Condemns Racist Abuse Targeting CJ Hamilton as Authorities Launch Investigation By Simon Jennings, BBC Sport 2 October 2025 Blackpool Football Club has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the racist abuse directed at first-team winger CJ Hamilton via social media, confirming that the matter has been reported to Lancashire Police and all relevant footballing authorities. The incident, which occurred in the immediate aftermath of the club's League One fixture against Luton Town, has cast a shadow over recent on-pitch events at Bloomfield Road and reignited urgent discussions regarding the role of social media platforms in combating online hate. The club is providing full support to Hamilton, who is one of the Seasiders' longest-serving players, while police and football bodies coordinate efforts to identify the individual responsible for the "vile, racist abuse. " The abuse was received late on Tuesday evening following Blackpool’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Luton Town, a match in which the 29-year-old Hamilton played a crucial role, scoring two goals. The club, currently positioned precariously in the League One table, stated that it was "appalled" by the message and stressed its commitment to taking the "strongest possible action" against the perpetrator once identified. This commitment reflects a growing resolve across English football to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against discriminatory behaviour. A club spokesperson emphasised the seriousness of the breach. "Sadly, this is just the latest incident where one of our players has been on the receiving end of vile, racist abuse which has been directly sent to them on social media," the club statement read.
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"The Club stands firmly with CJ, one of our longest-serving players, and will support him in any way we can. There is a zero-tolerance policy for this behaviour throughout the Game. " The incident comes at a time of considerable pressure both on and off the pitch for the Lancashire club. On the field, Head Coach Steve Bruce expressed deep frustration after seeing his side relinquish a two-goal lead in the final stages of the match against Luton, with a disputed penalty contributing to the late collapse. Bruce labelled the match’s concluding penalty decision as "terrible" and "cruel," stating, "We honestly thought we were comfortable, and then they get back into it through a horrible deflection and an awful penalty – it’s as simple as that. " This combination of on-field disappointment and the subsequent off-field toxicity has created a challenging atmosphere for the squad. The decision to immediately involve authorities, including the English Football League (EFL), the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), and the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, signifies the established protocol for handling such incidents. Reporting the case directly to Lancashire Police ensures the matter is pursued under criminal law, which has become a key strategy for clubs seeking lasting consequences for online abusers.
Dr. Eleanor Vance, a consultant specialising in sports law and digital security, suggested that while clubs are doing their part, the responsibility ultimately lies elsewhere. Speaking to BBC Sport, Dr. Vance commented: "Clubs are now much faster at following the correct legal pathways, but the issue remains that the tools for identification often rely heavily on the cooperation of the social media companies themselves. Until those platforms implement truly proactive measures—not just reactive ones—to verify users and prevent repeat offences, we will continue to see athletes targeted. The immediate, personal nature of this abuse makes it deeply damaging to mental wellbeing. " The EFL has consistently reiterated its stance against all forms of discrimination and is understood to be monitoring the investigation closely. The league’s collective action framework often involves supporting clubs in their internal investigations and ensuring the affected player receives appropriate welfare assistance, including psychological support, which the PFA is expected to provide to Hamilton.
The ongoing battle against online abuse is fundamentally changing the relationship between professional athletes and their public platforms. Analysts suggest that the constant threat of abuse not only affects individual performance but can also undermine team morale and discourage players from engaging with fans, despite the positive engagement that often occurs. The visibility of players like Hamilton, who had just delivered a match-defining performance, often makes them immediate targets for highly emotional and negative reactions. Blackpool FC’s firm response in this instance sends a clear message that such behaviour will be met with immediate and serious consequences, including lifetime stadium bans from Bloomfield Road if the individual is identified as a club member or season ticket holder. Looking ahead, the response to this incident marks a critical juncture for Blackpool FC as they attempt to balance the demands of a difficult League One campaign with their moral responsibilities. The club’s focus must now be two-fold: supporting their player and ensuring justice is served, while simultaneously preparing for their next crucial home fixture against AFC Wimbledon. The broader football community will be watching closely to see how effectively the police and social media companies can collaborate to identify the culprit, setting a precedent for future cases of online racism directed at players in the lower leagues.
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