Racist abuse of England players who missed penalties condemned

London: England’s Football Association released a statement condemning the online racist abuse of players following the team’s penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Monday morning AEST.

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.

Marcus Rashford took England’s third penalty and hit the postCredit: Getty Images

“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.”

Earlier this year British soccer authorities instigated a boycott of the world’s biggest social media platforms by professional athletes, sports teams, governing bodies and broadcasters in response to sustained online racist abuse against black athletes.

England’s Phil Foden consoles teammate Jadon Sancho after he misses the side’s fourth penaltyCredit: Getty Images

The boycott, which took place across a weekend in May, was aimed at pressuring social media giants to take more action against abuse on their platforms.

Saka, 19, and Sancho, 21, sobbed on the shoulders and chests of their teammates as Italy celebrated.

There were also thousands of messages of support for the England team.

“It never goes according to plan,” said Ross Handle, sat slumped on a bench in Trafalgar Square. “We’ve come so far.”

Prince William, in the stadium with his wife Kate and seven-year-old son George, described the result as heartbreaking.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the team played like heroes. “They have done the nation proud and deserve great credit,” he said.

England fans, the media and politicians have lauded manager Gareth Southgate’s players such as Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling for uniting the country during a pandemic which has killed almost 130,000 people, the highest death toll in Western Europe.

Reuters