Cleveland Police arrest 15-year-old boy over online racial abuse of Luton Town defender Peter Kioso

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested for posting racist abuse to Luton Town defender Peter Kioso on social media.

Kioso, 20, a former Dunstable Town youngster, moved to Kenilworth Road from National League side Hartlepool United in the January transfer window.

He was an unused substitute for the 3-2 win over Blackburn Rovers last Wednesday, which ensured the Hatters’ Championship survival.

While celebrating the result in the changing room with his team-mates, Kioso, was using Instagram live when he received the comment 'U look like a monkey' from a so-called supporter of his former side.

Cleveland Police have since stated that the teenage boy from the Hartlepool area was arrested on Friday evening on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, but he has since been released while investigations continue.

In a statement, Luton Town said: "As a club and a town which celebrates equality, diversity and inclusion, we firmly stand behind Peter and all of our minority players and staff regardless of their skin tone, ethnicity or religion.

"We have been helping the police with enquiries to bring the perpetrator of this mindless act to account."

Meanwhile, Kioso’s former club Hartlepool also released a statement saying: “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 with information regarding the comments is asked to contact Sergeant Adrian Dack, from the football intelligence unit at Cleveland Police, on 101.