The English Football Association said it was "appalled" and "disgusted".
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, the three England players who missed their penalty kicks in the Euro final, which sealed England’s defeat by Italy at Wembley on Sunday, have been the victims of racist abuse on social media.
Euro 2021: Three English players victims of racist insults after the final
“We are disgusted that members of our team, who have given their all this summer, have been subjected to discriminatory attacks online after tonight’s game,” the English Football Association said on its Twitter account.
“We stand behind our players,” it added. In a statement, the FA said it “condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the racism being spread on social media against some of England’s players”.
“We say in the clearest possible terms that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome among the supporters of this team,” it also 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
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 12, 2021
London police said they were “investigating” the “insulting and racist” online posts.
The matter is being taken seriously at the highest level of government, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson denouncing the actions. “This England team deserves to be treated as heroes, not as victims of racist abuse on social media. Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed,” he wrote on Twitter.
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
