Although I can't think of anyone in my circle of friends who would put a Muslim in the boot of a car, take him to a field and beat him up... I do know a fair few who "aren't racist but..." and then come out with the most incredible right-wing rubbish.
Unfortunately there are a lot of violent racist twerps around, usually simpletons who are a bit thick and stupid I'll admit , but the fact that they're about is why the story was "acceptable". (I accept that the Bill's writing and scripts are often cr*p but that's another subject.) We've all heard the no-necks on the bus talking loudly, making abusive remarks and comments. So, they do exist.
BTW because there are attacks on white people by Asians and blacks, does that mean that it's acceptable to attack black people and muslims? Can't see the logic in that one.