England Football Association condemns racist abuse of players

Italy's Leonardo Bonucci (1st L) celebrates during the final between England and Italy at the UEFA EURO 2020. Xinhua

England Football Association condemns racist abuse aimed at several players following Euro 2020 loss

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/12/21

The England Football Association released a statement early Monday morning condemning the online racist abuse of players following the team's penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

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.

We stand with our players ❤️ https://t.co/1Ce48XRHEl
— England (@England) July 12, 2021

England and Italy drew 1-1 after extra time, and the Italians won 3-2 on penalties, with British players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who are all Black, missing their penalty shots.

Saka was selected as the final kick taker. If he had made his shot, there would have been another round of penalties.

The 19-year-old plays for Premier League side Arsenal, who released a statement supporting their player and said it had processes in place at the club to support him.

We couldn't be any prouder of Bukayo.

But once again, we are sad to have to say we condemn the racism of a number black players.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 12, 2021

UEFA also released a statement condemning the racist abuse of players, saying it has no place in football or society.

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.
⁰#EqualGame #Respect
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 12, 2021

British police said they would investigate the posts, while UK Prime Minister Boris Johnston said those responsible for the racist remarks should be ashamed.

We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final.

This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.
— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) July 12, 2021

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.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 12, 2021

In addition to the comments, a mural dedicated to Rashford in Manchester was vandalized. The mural honors his work campaigning for free school meals for vulnerable children in Britain.

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