England’s Football Association released a statement in the early hours of Monday morning condemning the online racist abuse of players following the team’s penalty shootout loss to Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final.
The sides drew 1-1 after extra time, and Italy won the shootout 3-2, with England players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who are all Black, missing spot kicks.
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“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
The England team also released a statement condemning the abuse directed at its players on social media.
“We’re disgusted that some of our squad — who have given everything for the shirt this summer — have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game,” the team tweeted.
Arsenal released a statement on Monday as well in support of Saka and said it had processes in place at the club to support him.
“Last night, we saw Bukayo Saka reach the Euro 2020 final at the age of 19 years old,” the statement said. “Bukayo has been with us since he was seven and the whole club couldn’t have been prouder to see him represent England throughout the tournament. You could feel it right across the club.
“Last night we witnessed the leadership and character we’ve always known and loved in Bukayo. However, this feeling of pride quickly turned to sorrow at the racist comments our young player was subjected to on his social media platforms after the final whistle.
“Once again, we are sad to have to say we condemn the racism of a number of black players. This cannot continue and the social media platforms and authorities must act to ensure this disgusting abuse to which our players are subjected on a daily basis stops now.”
And UEFA followed suit. A statement on Twitter said: “UEFA strongly condemns the disgusting racist abuse directed at several England players on social media after the EURO final, which has no place in football or society. We stand by the players and the English FA’s call for the strongest possible punishments.”
British police said they would investigate the posts.
“We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final,” the Metropolitan Police tweeted.
“This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.”
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also condemned the abuse.
He said: “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.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called on social media companies to remove such content from their platforms.
“Those responsible for the disgusting online abuse we have seen must be held accountable — and social media companies need to act immediately to remove and prevent this hate,” Khan said in a tweet.
Later on Monday, Leyton Orient, a lower league side from London, confirmed they had issued a three-year banning order to a supporter following reports of racist abuse during the Euro 2020 final.
“As the club has repeatedly made clear, we take a zero-tolerance approach to any racist abuse or discrimination,” a statement read. “Further to the banning order, the supporter will be fully refunded the purchase for their Season Card for the 2021-22 season. The club is extremely proud of its diverse history, and continues to work with local authorities and governing bodies to enact change.”
Meanwhile, a mural dedicated to Rashford in Manchester after his work in campaigning for free school meals for the most vulnerable of children in Britain, was vandalised.
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