Hartlepool United respond after 15-year-old fan arrested over racist message sent to Luton Town defender Peter Kioso

On Monday, Cleveland Police confirmed a schoolboy from Hartlepool had been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

Kioso joined Luton Town from Pools in January and had recently made his debut for the club as they secured Championship safety last week.

The 20-year-old was filmed celebrating on an Instagram live feed on the evening of Wednesday, July 22 when the comment was posted.

Kioso tweeted: “In 2020 seriously come on, a fan that used to sing my name wants to be doing this” copying in Hartlepool’s Twitter account and a screengrab of the comment.

The boy has since arrested released under investigation as inquiries continue.

And Pools have ensured that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible.

A club statement read: “We would like to thank the large number of supporters who contacted the Club last Thursday morning (23rd July) following comments made the previous evening on an individual’s social media Instagram account to former player Peter Kioso, now at Luton Town.

“Supporters provided us with details of an individual directing unacceptable discriminatory abuse at Peter.

"We immediately escalated the matter to Cleveland Police whilst also contacting Luton Town Football Club to make them fully aware of the situation and our actions.

“We echo Luton Town’s sentiments as a Club and a town which celebrates equality, diversity and inclusion and we firmly stand behind Peter and all minority players and staff within football – regardless of their skin tone, ethnicity or religion.

“Anyone who may have any information regarding the comments made on the social media post is asked to contact Sergeant Adrian Dack from the Football Intelligence Unit at Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

“Notwithstanding any formal action that may be taken by the courts against this particular individual, the Club will continue to work with our community police partners to ensure that appropriate Club sanctions are imposed against any person responsible for such unacceptable behaviour moving forwards.”

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