LONDON: England manager Gareth Southgate has described as “unforgivable” the social media racist abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after the Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Football Association also condemned it.
All three players missed penalties in the 3-2 shootout loss and were targeted on social media after the game. The Metropolitan Police is investigating the abuse and said “it will not be tolerated”.
Southgate said: “It’s just not what we stand for. We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together, in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody and so that togetherness has to continue.
“We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together.
“It’s my decision who takes the penalties, it’s not a case of players not volunteering or more experienced players backing out.”
England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham tweeted a picture of the three players wearing crowns and wrote: “We win together and we lose together. So proud to have team-mates with such top character.
“As for the racism, hurtful but not surprising. Will never get bored of saying that more needs to be done. Educate and control the platforms.”
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