A rain of racist publications for failed penalties. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson denounced Monday, July 12 the “Racist insults” against black players of the English football team, after losing to Italy in the Euro final on Sunday at Wembley. ” [Les joueurs de] this England team deserves[nt] to be treated[s] as a hero, and not [en victimes] racist insults on social networks. Those responsible for these appalling abuses should be ashamed of themselves ”, the Conservative leader said on Twitter.
This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. Those responsible for this… https://t.co/W0BqsKrTSD
The English Football Federation (FA) said it was “Dismayed” and ” disgusted “ by racist comments posted on social networks against Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka. “We are disgusted to see that members of our team, who gave their all this summer, were subjected to discriminatory assault online after tonight’s game”, the FA said on its Twitter account. “We support our players”, she insisted. Prince William, honorary president of the FA, was also indignant on Twitter against these “Odious behavior”. He stressed the need to ” accountable “ for “Everyone involved”.
I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match. It is totally unacceptable t… https://t.co/cy72gi0eML
In a press conference on Monday, England manager Gareth Southgate said the comments were insulting. “Unforgivable”. “A part comes from abroad, we have been told, but a part comes from this country”, he added, preferring to retain the“Energy and positive spirit of the fans”. Former players gave their support to the three team-mates, calling on the leaders to do more against racism.
The three players, who entered during the match, missed their shot on goal in the Euro final, lost to Italy. Those failed shots sealed England’s defeat to Italy, shattering the dream of an entire country hoping to clinch a second major title, fifty-five years after its home success in the World Cup in 1966.
Online racism has been swelling for several months
The London police, for their part, announced that they were “Investigating” on these publications “Insulting and racist” online. Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat attacked social media on Twitter on Monday, which “Have algorithms that target ads, but won’t stop racist slurs against some exemplary young men”.
Culture and Sports Minister Oliver Dowden called on social media platforms to tackle racism online more, warning that “If they don’t, our new online safety bill will impose fines of up to 10% of global revenues”. A Facebook spokesperson assured that the company had “Quickly deleted comments and accounts insulting English footballers” and promised to “Continue to take action against those who violate [ses] rules “.
English football has been confronted for several months with a phenomenon of online racism targeting players, following the defeat of their club or after disappointing performances. In May, the FA called on the British government to legislate without delay to force social networks to act against online insults. Marcus Rashford had been the target of such insults in the past.
To draw attention to this racism online, the FA, Premier League, Second Division and Women’s Super League clubs, but also organizations representing players, referees and coaches, later joined by other sports, such as rugby or cricket, had decided not to feed their accounts on social networks from Friday April 30 until Monday May 3.
Forty-nine arrests on the sidelines of the Euro
The Euro final was also marked by incidents with supporters without tickets who managed to enter the stadium by forcing security barriers and overwhelming staff. A scene of violence with supporters punching and kicking an Asian man in the halls of the stadium was filmed and posted on social media.
London police said they made 49 arrests on Sunday for various Euro-related offenses and said 19 police officers were injured. Of the violence she condemned, judging them “Totally unacceptable”.