The racist abuse against Irish footballer Michael Obafemi is “shocking but, very sadly, unsurprising”, according to the Irish Network Against Racism.

Police in Wales are investigating racist social media posts aimed at the Irish forward following his loan move from Swansea City to Burnley on Monday.

In a statement, the Welsh football club said it was "sickened" by the "disgusting" racist abuse aimed at the 22-year-old who spent a year and a half at the club.

It said it was now working to identify those responsible.

"Shocking"

Irish Network Against Racism Director Shane O'Curry told Newstalk racism has no place in football – or society as a whole.

“This is shocking but, very sadly, unsurprising,” he said.

“This is something that has become a feature of online spaces in Britain and in Ireland so I would like to extend my solidarity to Michael at this time.

“It must be galling to experience this when you are just trying to get on with your life as a footballer.”

Abuse

He said social media companies must do more to tackle this sort of behaviour:

“I think abuse like this happens because people can get away with it,” he said.

“The algorithms favour and reward behaviours like this where basically people think they can get way with saying the quite bit out loud with no consequences for them.”

Swansea immediately condemned the abuse after it became aware of it and warned that there is, ‘no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in society or football."

Swansea

Mr O'Curry said the club should be applauded for acting swiftly.

“We want to see that instinct in responding swiftly and resolutely to incidences of hatred,” he said.

Obafemi

Obafemi has joined Burnley on loan with an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.

He scored 15 goals in 52 appearances for the Welsh club.

He has scored twice in seven appearances for Ireland – including a memorable strike against Scotland last summer.

Additional reporting Michael Staines.