England penalty-takers hit by ‘disgusting’ racist abuse

LONDON: England’s Football Association said it was “appalled” and “disgusted” after racist trolls targeted Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka following Sunday’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.

All three players missed from the spot as Italy clinched the penalty shoot-out 3-2 after the tense final finished at 1-1 after extra time.

“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 England FA tweeted. “We stand with our players.”

A separate statement said: “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.

“We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team.”

London’s Metropolitan Police said it was investigating the “offensive and racist” posts.

“We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final,” it said in a tweet.

“This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.”

England’s players have made a strong stand against racism at the tournament, taking a knee before their games including Sunday’s final.

Political leaders also expressed disgust on Monday at racial abuse targeting England stars.

But as Facebook vowed anew to look into abuse on its Instagram platform, Prime Minister Boris Johnson himself came under stinging criticism for earlier refusing to condemn fans who had booed English players´ campaign against racism.

England manager Gareth Southgate said the online invective was “unforgivable”.

“Some of it has come from abroad, we have been told this, but some of it is from this country,” he told reporters.

“We have been a beacon of light to bring people together and the national team stands for everybody.”

While some people identifying as England fans used racial slurs in blaming the trio for the defeat, other offensive messages were accompanied with “forza italia” hashtags.

“This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”