Boris slams racist abuse against Black players of England after defeat in Euro finals

Gulf Today Report

Football came home – to Rome, not London. The much anticipated clash between England and Italy ended in a gigantic disappointment for the English, when they lost to the Azzurri on penalties. Thousands of English fans at the Wembley stadium in London who saw the match were simply shocked.

However, the backlash by the passionate footy fanatics of the United Kingdom was swift.  Social media and racism once again occupied centre stage as salvoes of abuse were hurled at a trio of Black English players who they said were responsible for the crushing defeat by the Italians.

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The players who were targeted by the disgruntled supporters were Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho.

Marcus Rashford’s ball rebounded off the goalpost while shots from Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were saved by Italy's goalkeeper Donnarumma who turned out to be the hero of the game – and the tournament.

Italy's midfielder Federico Chiesa runs with the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 finals. AFP

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday condemned the racist abuse directed at the three players.

Johnson tweeted that "those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves."

England's Football Association issued a statement saying it was "appalled” by the "disgusting behaviour.”

London police condemned the "unacceptable” abuse, adding it will be investigating the "offensive and racist” social media posts.

London mayor Sadiq Khan called on social media companies to do more to hold offenders to account.

England fans inside the stadium during the match.

"There is absolutely no place for racism in football or anywhere else," he wrote in a Twitter post. "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.”

Meanwhile, the Italians were over the moon with joy. They celebrated the European Championship soccer title as a new beginning not only for their youthful national team but for a country that's been yearning to return to normalcy after being hit hard and long by the coronavirus pandemic.

In Rome, it was carnival time. Cars blaring deafening sirens, fireworks and singing fans rent the quiet air at night as thousands swarmed the streets after the win.

One immigrant Senegalese family, who came from Zagarolo outside Rome, was among the celebrating crowd. He said he was not Italian but he could feel the impact of the overarching passion.