FA condemns racist abuse of players after England’s Euro loss.
England’s players have taken a knee before games at the Euros to highlight the fight against racial inequality.
The FA said it was “appalled” by the “online racism” of the three players following the defeat at Wembley.
England’s Football Association (FA) 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 the Euro 2020 final on Sunday.
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.
“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.”
Gareth Southgate tried to comfort Saka after miss, AP
Many have taken to social media to voice their concerns and criticised England’s senior pros for letting Saka, 19, take the fifth and decisive spot-kick despite having never taken one for Arsenal.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the team deserved to be lauded as heroes and not racially abused on social media.
“Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves,” Johnson tweeted.
The Metropolitan Police said it will be investigating the posts.
In a tweet, the force said: “We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the Euro 2020 final.
“This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.”
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