Oxfordshire politicians have taken to social media to condemn the racist treatment of the England players after last night’s Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka – who are all black – received a torrent of abuse on social media after the game.
All three missed penalties in the 3-2 shootout against Italy and have been targeted by racist abuse.
Taking to Twitter, Henley MP John Howell tweeted “The England team have done us all proud.
“Taking us to the first final in 55 years is an incredible achievement that has inspired so many.
“I condemn the appalling racist abuse of the players on social media – those responsible should be ashamed of themselves.”
The England team have done us all proud. Taking us to the first final in 55 years is an incredible achievement that has inspired so many. I condemn the appalling racist abuse of players on social media – those responsible should be ashamed of themselves.
— John Howell (@JHowellUK) July 12, 2021
Wantage and Didcot MP, David Johnston, retweeted a tweet from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s official account denouncing the abuse.
The tweet said: "I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
“It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
“It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W.”
I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 12, 2021
It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W
Cabinet Member for Inclusive Communities and Oxford City Labour Councillor Shaista Aziz shared an image of Rashford, Sancho, Saka and Raheem Sterling on Twitter.
She wrote: “Solidarity and gratitude to our @England team, especially these heroes.
“Football holds up a mirror to wider society – if “we” don’t like what’s reflected back, it’s on collective society, starting with those at the top and in the power to make the change needed. #SayNoToRacism”.
Solidarity and gratitude to our @England team, especially these heroes. Football holds up a mirror to wider society - if “we”don’t like what’s reflected back, it’s on collective society, starting with those at the top and in the power to make the change needed. #SayNoToRacism pic.twitter.com/llt8dM52h9
— Shaista Aziz 💙 (@shaistaAziz) July 12, 2021
A number of councillors including Cllr Aziz and Cllr Mark Lygo shared a link to a petition calling for a racists to be banned from all football matches in England. The petition has already gather nearly 200,000 signatures.
The FA also issued a statement on the discriminatory abuse.
The Football Association wrote: “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.
“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.”
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