Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka faced racist comments on their social media posts following England’s loss to Italy in the European Championship Final. The three players missed penalties in the overtime shootout that determined the winner of the match.
What We Know:
- The Metropolitan Police Force condemned the abuse of the trio and will be investigating the posts. A mural of Rashford was defaced in South Manchester with graffiti. Many have called on Facebook and Twitter to help hunt down the perpetrators. On Monday, Facebook said it tries to remove offensive and harmful content as soon as possible. “We quickly removed comments and accounts directing abuse at England’s footballers last night and we’ll continue to take action against those that break our rules.” Twitter reported removing more than 1,000 tweets and suspended many accounts in response.
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 12, 2021
- England’s current national team has been praised for its diversity and dedication to social issues. Rashford, for example, is a vocal advocate for child poverty. His activism led the government to reinstate free lunches for children during the pandemic. In matches leading up to the final, players had been taking a knee to protest racial injustice, which had already prompted racially insensitive comments and booing from audience members.
- Coach Gareth Southgate stated in a virtual press conference, “We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together, in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody and so that togetherness has to continue.”
Overwhelmed. Thankful. Lost for words ♥️🏴 pic.twitter.com/PXC5H2GDtB
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 13, 2021
- Prime Minister Boris Johnson also made a statement against the abuse. Still, he has faced criticism for emboldening audience members to boo the team when they have taken a knee before games. Last month his spokesman said he was “more focused on action rather than gestures,” which many felt was an insufficient response. Three days later, the spokesman switched gears and said Johnson “respects the right of all people to peacefully protest and make their feelings known about injustices.”
- Gary Neville, a TV news personality who was formerly a member of Manchester United, said on air in reaction to the players’ backlash, “The prime minister said it was ok for the population of this country to boo those players who are trying to promote equality and defend against racism. It starts at the very top, and so for me I wasn’t surprised in the slightest that I woke up this morning to those headlines.” Prince William, President of the English Football Association, was sickened. He tweeted, “It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behavior. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.”
Soccer authorities in England have joined forces with players to tackle racism both on the pitch and in society as a whole. The English National Team’s Twitter stated on Sunday, “We’re disgusted that some of our squad — who have given everything for the shirt this summer — have been subjected to discriminating abuse online after tonight’s game. We stand with our players.”