British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned racism on social media against English players after the team lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
Police in the UK have said they will investigate insults and racist remarks posted on social media against three English players targeted in the case who are of African descent Marcus Rashford, Jardon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka.
The players lost their penalty kicks after Italy and England drew 1-1 tonight, a match played at Wembley Stadium in London in front of 60,000 fans, mostly fans of England. Through the penalty shootout, Italy emerged victorious with a 3-2 victory.
Through his Twitter page, Boris Johnson has said the England national team should be praised as heroes and not discriminated against. Johnson added that those responsible for the shocking discrimination should be ashamed of themselves.
Kneeling on the field condemning racism
The England team has been highlighting and opposing racism since the Euro 2020 began by kneeling on the field before each match. However, some fans condemned the act, with critics viewing the act as a stepping-stone to sports politics as well as a sign of reliance on extremist left-wing politics in the country.
Some ministers themselves have been accused of being hypocrites for failing to reprimand those fans who mocked the team while they are now at the forefront of denouncing racist allegations.
Home Affairs Minister Priti Patel, who last month said he did not support the England team's decision to kneel on the pitch because it was a political gesture, said he was "deeply saddened" that the England players, who sacrificed their country for the tournament, have been targeted. and racism online.
Southgate defends his players
The Football Association of England (FA) also issued a statement earlier today condemning the racist incidents against Rashford, Sancho, and Saka players.
England coach Gareth Southgate has defended the players who missed the penalty, saying they were the only ones left with the penalty shootout skills. "What they need to know is that they are not alone. We win as a team and we also lose as a team. I chose the penalty shooters. We have worked on them in practice. That is my decision not for the players. , "said Southgate
The federation said it was saddened and shocked by the shameful act and that it was not allowed against the team. It added that it would do everything in its power to support the affected players while urging severe punishment for anyone found guilty.
The England team also issued a statement condemning racism directed against their players on social media
Mayor Sadiq Khan wants online companies to fight hatred
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, through his Twitter page, has called on social media companies to remove all insults and racist content from their networks as soon as possible and prevent such hatred.
The issue of racism against players has prompted football officials in the UK to suspend and temporarily suspend social media as a precautionary measure. The move was supported by other sports organizations.
Social media companies have repeatedly been accused of failing to address the issue properly.
In May, the British government announced plans for a new law that would force social media companies to be fined up to £ 18 million if they failed to address cybercrime and racism.
England's dream of winning the title has sunk
England's youngsters got off to a fast start through Luke Shaw's second-minute goal but Italy proved their mettle when they equalized through Leonardo Bonucci in the second half.
England was hoping to win yesterday's match to end their drought of winning trophies since winning the 1966 World Cup.
But that did not happen. For Italy it was a sweet victory after a long wait as the last time they won the trophy was in 1968.
