England’s team manager has called the racial abuse that was directed toward’s some of his team’s players following the Euro 2021 final as “unforgivable”
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all subjected to hoards of derogatory comments online after missing their penalties in the 2-3 shootout at Webley Stadium.
Manager, Gareth Southgate says the tournament was supposed to be “a beacon of light to bring people together” and this type of behaviour is not what the team stands for.
During the Euro tournament, England’s players took a knee on multiple occasions to voice their support in the fight against racism and inequality
Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up & take a pen when the stakes were high. They deserve support & backing not the vile racist abuse they’ve had since last night. If you abuse anyone on social media you’re not an @England fan and we don’t want you. pic.twitter.com/PgskPAXgxV
— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 12, 2021
Keep your head up, Marcus. We know you'll come back stronger from this.
— England (@England) July 12, 2021
Continue inspiring. Continue making a difference. We're extremely proud of you ❤️ https://t.co/m5cnof1Osc
More than a team. We're family. ❤️
— England (@England) July 11, 2021
We'll stick together no matter what. pic.twitter.com/1p4CJNHWXY
This in itself caused anger amongst portions of the team’s fanbase, with some fans choosing to boo as the players knelt.
London’s police department says it is investigating the tirade of online abuse, whilst Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned racist comments.
On Twitter, Johnson says “the England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media, those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”
This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 12, 2021
Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.
