British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Football Association have condemned the racist abuse targeted at some of England’s players following the team’s loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday.
The targeted players were Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka who all failed from the spot as England went down on penalties with a 3-2 loss to Italy.
The trio’s social media pages were immediately flooded with racist comments, monkey and banana emoji.
Boris Johnson on Monday said, “This England team deserves to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media, Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”
A statement by the Football Association condemning the disgusting behaviour said, “The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media.
“We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. 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 the 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.”
Also, The Duke of Cambridge, who attended the game with wife Kate and son, tweeted: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
“It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
“It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.”
England coach Gareth Southgate who took responsibility, after the defeat by Italy said the attacks are “unforgivable” – and it’s “just not what we stand for.”
Southgate also said of the penalty misses, “It is down to me, I decided on the penalty-takers based on what they have done in training. Nobody is on their own. We have won together as a team and it is on all of us together to not be able to win this game. In terms of penalties, it is my call and it totally rests with me.”
