UK PM Johnson condemns racist abuse of England players

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday condemned racist abuse on social media aimed at players of the England football team after their narrow defeat in the final of Euro 2020.

"This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media," Johnson said on Twitter. "Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves."

This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.

Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 12, 2021

Police said they would also investigate the comments made towards Black England players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who missed spot-kicks in a penalty shootout with Italy following a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

The England team has been highlighting the issue of racism throughout the tournament, taking the knee before all their matches. However, some fans have booed the gesture, with critics viewing it as an unwanted politicisation of sport and an expression of sympathy with far-left politics.

The social media feeds of the players also showed huge levels of support and gratitude from fans for the tournament.

"We're disgusted that some of our squad - who have given everything for the shirt this summer - have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight's game," the England team tweeted.

The English Football Association said the "disgusting behaviour" was not welcome from fans.

"We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible," the FA said in a statement.

London Police said officers were aware of the offensive and racist comments, and would take action. "It will not be tolerated and it will be investigated," the force said on Twitter.

The issue of online abuse of players led to British football authorities briefly boycotting social media platforms to highlight the issue, a stand joined by other sporting bodies. Tech firms have been repeatedly accused of failing to do enough to deal with the problem.

In May, the British government announced plans for a new law that could see social media companies fined up to 10 per cent of turnover or 18 million pounds ($25 million) if they failed to stamp out online abuses such as racist hate crimes.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called on social media companies to remove such content from their platforms.

"Those responsible for the disgusting online abuse we have seen must be held accountable - and social media companies need to act immediately to remove and prevent this hate," Khan said in a tweet.

There is absolutely no place for racism in football or anywhere else.

Those responsible for the disgusting online abuse we have seen must be held accountable - and social media companies need to act immediately to remove and prevent this hate.

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) July 12, 2021

Arsenal sent a message of support to their winger Saka while Rashford was backed by his club Manchester United.

"Football can be so cruel. But for your personality... your character... your bravery... We'll always be proud of you. And we can't wait to have you back with us," Arsenal tweeted.

United said they looked forward to welcoming Rashford home, adding: "One kick won't define you as a player or person."