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Wilfried Zaha received racist abuse, death threats after Crystal Palace's draw with Arsenal

Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha against Arsenal Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has said he received racist abuse and death threats after winning a late penalty against Arsenal in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park.

Zaha was tripped in the box by Granit Xhaka, who was deputising at left-back, which allowed Palace to level the match in the 83rd minute, ending Arsenal's 11-game winning streak.

After the game, Zaha was accused of diving on social media, and responded to the "hate" he has been receiving with a message on Instagram.

"For all the people taking it one step further and being racist and wishing death on my family, I wish you and your families the best too," Zaha wrote. "My life is still very good despite your hate."

Xhaka himself acknowledged after the game that he had made contact with Zaha.

"I think it's a clear penalty because I touched his knee," Xhaka said.

Meanwhile, Palace boss Roy Hodgson has said Zaha has the club's full backing in the wake of the abuse.

"As far as Wilf is concerned, the club will do everything they can to support him in this way," Hodgson said. "I don't think there are many people out there expect perhaps the odd Twitter troll who knows no better who believes that racially abusing people or threatening people is the right way to go.

"Of course all our sympathy is with our player and the club will do everything we can to show him that support and help him get through the situation."