The England trio were targeted online after each missing a penalty in the national team’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy at Wembley.
The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and the English Football Association have condemned the racist abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka.
The three players missed a spot-kick in England’s penalty shootout loss to Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final, ending hopes of a first major title in 55 years for the Three Lions. They were later subjected to abuse on social media.
The Metropolitan Police has announced this abuse ‘will not be tolerated’ and plan to launch an investigation.
We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final.
This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.
— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) July 12, 2021
The Prime Minister, meanwhile, labeled the abuse as ‘appalling’ on Twitter this Monday morning.
“This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media,” he posted.
“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.
Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 12, 2021
The FA, on the other hand, slammed the ‘disgusting behavior’ from social media users and urged the UK government to introduce new laws to help combat racism.
“We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behavior is not welcome in following the team,” read a statement.
“We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.
“We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real-life consequences.
“Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse.”
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) July 12, 2021
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about England
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
