England’s brave and inspiring men’s football team helped unite the nation this summer by reaching the final of Euro 2020 but sadly they couldn’t go all the way and were beaten by Italy.
The game went to a penalty shootout after finishing 1-1 and despite Roberto Mancini’s side missing two of their spot-kicks a trio of young England stars – Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka – missed their penalties and the trophy went to the Azzurri.
In the aftermath, many fans were quick to heap praise on this young team who had done so much to help promote important social issues, take a stance for those fighting racial injustice and show allyship to the LGBTQ+ community. Sadly amongst this was also a downpour of racism on social media towards the three men who missed their penalties.
This has been widely condemned – with many pointing the finger at politicians and demanding that social media companies do more – with the majority of the England squad having already spoken out against the abuse they and their teammates had received, often with eloquent and astute statements.
A statement from the Football Association strongly condemned the abuse, with the official England Twitter account adding that it was “disgusted” by the racist the comments.
We’re disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected… https://t.co/qExerouPUT— England (@England) 1626051982
Here’s what the players and manager have said:
Harry Kane
Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up & take a pen when the stakes were high. They de… https://t.co/QdIfJBSH2R— Harry Kane (@Harry Kane) 1626111206
Marcus Rashford
https://t.co/bs9lksGM4q— Marcus Rashford MBE (@Marcus Rashford MBE) 1626119189
Mason Mount
@England https://t.co/HtH2TBFsnA— Mason Mount (@Mason Mount) 1626119654
Tyrone Mings
But waking up today and seeing my brothers being racially abused for being brave enough to put themselves in a posi… https://t.co/bZrMDPXvj3— Tyrone Mings (@Tyrone Mings) 1626115006
The Aston Villa defender also accused home secretary Priti Patel of “stoking the fire” after she described taking the knee as “gesture politics”.
You don’t get to stoke the fire at the beginning of the tournament by labelling our anti-racism message as ‘Gesture… https://t.co/UaDXRqFpv2— Tyrone Mings (@Tyrone Mings) 1626115084
Reece James
https://t.co/3gvDxMl7WQ— Reece James (@Reece James) 1626101233
We learn more about the society when we lose, far more than we learn when we win.— Reece James (@Reece James) 1626109603
Jude Bellingham
We win together and we lose together. So proud to have teammates with such top character. Takes huge bollocks just… https://t.co/7Xg1k0tNXF— Jude Bellingham (@Jude Bellingham) 1626096782
Kalvin Phillips
Absolutely disgusted at the unnecessary racist abuse I've seen online directed at my teammates. Nothing but love an… https://t.co/0MNitlxGtW— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvin Phillips) 1626120578
Phil Foden
Being part of this group has meant so much. Winning together, losing together and always sticking together. We're… https://t.co/iQ6HTnGe1U— Phil Foden (@Phil Foden) 1626187480
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
To the real England fans, thank you for your support this summer and to those of you abusing my teammates for havin… https://t.co/O1wcZazY8s— Dominic Calvert-Lewin (@Dominic Calvert-Lewin) 1626192704
Jadon Sancho
🙏🏼 https://t.co/yjcjqf8mwL— Jadon Sancho (@Jadon Sancho) 1626280393
Gareth Southgate
Speaking in a press conference on Monday morning the England manager called the abuse “unforgivable.”
🗣️ "For some of them to be abused is unforgivable really." Gareth Southgate has condemned the racist abuse aimed a… https://t.co/AKXvYjeZhz— BBC Sport (@BBC Sport) 1626107400
Many former England players and football clubs have also shown their support for those that were on the receiving end of the abuse.
Gary Lineker
Booing and racially abusing the fine young men that play for our country and have given us so much pleasure and joy… https://t.co/wSluBDBf0z— Gary Lineker 💙 (@Gary Lineker 💙) 1626084586
Barcelona
Losing a penalty shootout is a part of football, and a part of life. Racism is not. https://t.co/tUckiMT1Os— FC Barcelona (@FC Barcelona) 1626127186
Tottenham Hotspur
We stand together 🤍 We are driven by inclusion and equality and nobody should have to endure the repulsive online… https://t.co/tC2nl7w0Z2— Tottenham Hotspur (@Tottenham Hotspur) 1626082200
Rio Ferdinand
to start spouting their disgusting feelings. Hiding behind the safety blanket that is social media platforms these… https://t.co/uPptszYoff— Rio Ferdinand (@Rio Ferdinand) 1626082546
Daniel Sturridge
😭absolutely devastated 4 the players,me and the fans. This team has been incredible this tournament. Every single… https://t.co/2AKR9elDcS— Daniel Sturridge (@Daniel Sturridge) 1626040792
Ashley Young
Gutted for the boys tonight, heartbreaking way to lose. Every single one of you done this Country Proud and brought… https://t.co/CbgB1sSCUy— Ashley Young (@Ashley Young) 1626044478
Gary Neville
"It starts at the very top." Former footballer @GNev2 says has called on Boris Johnson to take a tougher stance on… https://t.co/Rtbn6Tsqxm— Sky News (@Sky News) 1626078093
Theo Walcott
Football Association AND Oliver Dowden Sec of State DCMS. PM Boris Johnson.: Ban racists for life from all football… https://t.co/35TgI9M2Vf— Theo Walcott (@Theo Walcott) 1626158591
Manchester United
We're all behind you, @MarcusRashford. As a player. As a person. As an inspiration to our club and our supporters… https://t.co/0UBguzmqaj— Manchester United (@Manchester United) 1626109740
Borussia Dortmund
✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻 Thanks for your words, @BellinghamJude. We fully support all of you. There is no place for racism. https://t.co/WlLHH5T0vP— Borussia Dortmund (@Borussia Dortmund) 1626113101
Robbie Fowler
@KP24 Spot on.... and get rid of every comments section at the end of every article which also incites— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie Fowler) 1626082234
Everton
It is completely unacceptable that anyone should be subjected to racist abuse. We stand with @England to condemn a… https://t.co/3vEbzaj8ON— Everton (@Everton) 1626082132
Premier League
The Premier League is once again appalled by the online abuse that players are having to suffer If you see it, rep… https://t.co/szT6wu443B— Premier League (@Premier League) 1626084881
David Beckham