Sheffield Wednesday forward Jamal Lowe racially abused on social media after Notts County red card

Wife targeted with racist messages after Lowe's sending off

Sheffield Wednesday forward Jamal Lowe has revealed that his wife was sent racist messages aimed at him on social media following his red card in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Notts County.

The 32-year-old Jamaica international said the abusive comment was posted repeatedly on his partner's Instagram photos. Lowe, who has scored five goals in 10 League One appearances this season, took to his own Instagram account to condemn the abuse.

"Bad performance or not, racially abusing a player from the team you 'support' is miles off it," Lowe wrote. "Parents educate your kids, call out family members who display this type of sick behaviour.

"To think we're only one bad result away from being called a monkey is actually insane. This is happening way too often! Do better."

Club condemns 'abhorrent' abuse

Sheffield Wednesday released a statement on Wednesday reinforcing their stance against racism.

"Racism is abhorrent. It has no place in football or in society, and we condemn this abuse in the strongest possible terms," the club said.

"This is not the first incident of its kind involving our players, staff and their families this season. The continued targeting of individuals and their loved ones is utterly unacceptable.

"Only last weekend, we stood alongside the EFL in supporting its Together Against Racism campaign. Incidents such as this reinforce why collective action and meaningful consequences remain so important."

BBC Sport understands the UK Policing Football Unit are investigating the matter and have been contacted for comment.

A recurring problem at Hillsborough

The abuse directed at Lowe is the second such incident involving a Sheffield Wednesday player this year. In April, an unidentified Owls player was targeted by what the club called "disgraceful and completely unacceptable racist messages" following a 1-1 draw against Leicester.

The club's disciplinary record on the issue also includes a £12,500 fine and a five-year ban for an Owls fan in 2024, after Coventry's Kasey Palmer was subjected to a racist gesture during a Championship match.

Wider issue across the game

Lowe's experience forms part of a broader pattern of racist abuse in English football this season. On 13 October, Swansea's Ji-sung Eom was subjected to alleged racist chanting during a match at Millwall, prompting a seven-minute stoppage while the incident was addressed. A week later, on 14 October, a court heard how Antoine Semenyo, now of Manchester City, "froze" after allegedly being racially abused by a Liverpool fan at Anfield in August 2025.

Sheffield Wednesday fans can follow pre-match, post-match and topical Owls content on BBC Sounds.