Idris Elba calls for social media platforms to verify all users to combat 'cowards' and 'racial rhetoric'

“If cowards are being supported by a veil of privacy and secrecy, then social media is not a safe space,” Elba wrote, in part. “It is an aeroplane that allows travellers to wear balaclavas. If cowards want to spout racial rhetoric then say it with your name, not your username.”

The 48-year-old did not make direct mention of the English national team, but Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho of the Three Lions were targets of online racial abuse after each player missed his penalty kick in the UEFA Euro final on July 11. As a result, Italy won the tournament.

Four people were arrested by British police in connection to the vile outpouring last week.

Elba publicly supported Saka right after the 19-year-old miffed his penalty kick. Saka has also called out social media platforms “not doing enough” and needing to tighten their conduct policies:

Elsewhere in England, and most recently, Lewis Hamilton was targeted by racists on social media after claiming victory at the British Grand Prix on Sunday (July 18).

Hamilton had previously publicly supported Rashford, Saka and Sancho.