Manager Gareth Southgate for the England National team has described the racist abuse directed at some England players as “Unforgiveable”.
The online racial abuse of some England players following Sunday’s Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy has been described by the team’s manager Gareth Southgate as “unforgivable” and “just not what we stand for.”
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were targeted on social media after they missed penalties in the 3-2 shootout defeat at Wembley Stadium.
“For some of them to be abused is unforgivable,” said Southgate, who was speaking at a virtual press conference on Monday. “Some of it has come from abroad, we have been told this, but some of it is from this country.
Before and during the Euro 2020 tournament, the England players have knelt before each of their matches in a display of unity in the fight against racism and inequality.
That was an act that caused anger among sections of the England fanbase, with some supporters choosing to boo as the players knelt.
London’s Metropolitan Police said it was investigating the “unacceptable” social media comments on both Instagram and Twitter, while UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also condemned the racist abuse.
“This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media,” Johnson said on Twitter.
In recent weeks, Johnson along with other lawmakers in his government has been specifically asked to condemn the England fans who booed players
taking the knee before kick off but failed to do so.
Gary Neville, former England international, criticized Johnson for not condemning those who booed the players in their battle for equality when he had the chance.
“Gareth Southgate and the players a few weeks ago, about five days on the trot told us that they were taking the knee to promote equality and it was against racism,” Neville told Sky News.
“The Prime Minister said it was ok for the population of this country to boo those players who are trying to promote equality and defend against racism.
“It starts at the very top.”
Ahead of Euro 2020, Southgate penned an open letter to the country, outlining why he thought it was important for players to continue using their voice for good.
“This is a special group. Humble, proud and liberated in being their true selves,” wrote Southgate in the Players Tribune.
Prince William said he was “sickened” by the discriminatory abuse while the Football Association in England said in a statement it was “appalled.”
The English national team’s Twitter account tweeted its support for the players on Monday.
“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.”
