Prince William slams racist abuse in football: 5 incidents that led to this

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Prince William slams racist abuse in football: 5 incidents that led to this

String of cyber bullying and racist attacks hit Chelsea, Manchester United and West Brom

Published: February 01, 2021 14:26 Marwa Hamad, Assistant Editor

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Chelsea's Reece James — It’s hard enough to do one’s job without racist harassment, bombardments of abuse and threats. However, football continues to reckon with a grave racism problem that can’t be ignored — and that is a pitifully abstract way of putting it. It’s important to remember the reality of the problem: several people — most of whom are spurred on by the anonymity, immediacy and access provided by social media — are finding it appropriate to hurl revolting abuse at players day in and day out. Image Credit: AP

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201102 William — Now, Prince William has called on social media platforms to do a better job of tackling 'despicable' racism aimed at footballers. As more and more English Premier League players speak out about the racist abuse they receive online, The Duke of Cambridge says enough is enough. Image Credit: Reuters

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1.1527416-1870916726 — 'Racist abuse - whether on the pitch, in the stands, or on social media - is despicable and it must stop now,' William wrote on the @KensingtonRoyal Twitter account. 'I commend all those players, supporters, clubs and organisations who continue to call out and condemn this abuse in the strongest terms. - W' Image Credit: AFP

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Reece James posts racist screenshot. — Last month, Chelsea’s Reece James posted a screenshot of the racist abuse hurled at him in his DMs on Instagram, urging social media platforms to do a better job of curbing such attacks. The 21-year-old player, subject to slurs and degradation, declared: 'Something needs to change!' Image Credit: Instagram

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Reece James. — James wrote: 'We all have a part to play in making this world a better & more equal place! Racism is completely unacceptable! Human is our only race! Instagram, Twitter, Facebook: you must do more!!' Image Credit: Reuters

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After Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal, 23-year-old Marcus Rashford also received a tirade of racist abuse, but he refused to re-post it. “I’m not sharing screenshots. It would be irresponsible to do so and as you can imagine there's nothing original in them. I have beautiful children of all colours following me and they don't need to read it. Beautiful colours that should only be celebrated,” stated Rashford, who is an outspoken advocate for justice. Image Credit: Reuters

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Marcus Rashford responds to online racism. — Rashford added: 'Yes I'm a black man and I live every day proud that I am. No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you're just simply not going to get it here.' Image Credit: Twitter/Marcus Rashford

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Alex Tuanzebe responds to racism. — Alongside Rashford, Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were also targeted by racial abuse. The 23-year-old Tuanzebe posted a highlight reel, with the caption: 'My RACE My RELIGION My COLOUR = FOOTBALL #NoToRacism #UnitedAgainstRacism”' Image Credit: Instagram

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201029 Rashford — Police are now investigating the racism against the aforementioned players. 'We are aware of a number of Manchester United football players suffering abuse on social media accounts between Wednesday and Saturday,' read a statement from Greater Manchester Police. 'Nobody should be subject to such abuse … We will be investigating these crimes thoroughly.' Image Credit: AP

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West Brom's Romaine Sawyers — West Bromwich Albion’s Romaine Sawyers, 29, was also subjected to racist abuse online. He received an 'abhorrent message' during West Brom’s loss to Manchester City. Though the club has called for the 'toughest available legal punishment' manager Sam Allardyce questioned whether that is enough. 'We dealt with it as quickly as we can. It leaves a big question about whether reporting it is enough. He is extremely upset, as anybody would be,' said Big Sam. Image Credit: Reuters

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OPN 200915 SPO REECE — Chelsea, Manchester United and West Brom have all spoken out against the racist abuse of their players. While United described online racist trolls as 'anonymous mindless idiots', West Brom said they will 'offer Romaine the relevant support required at this time and continues with its long-standing commitment to help rid football of racism.' Image Credit: AP

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Anthony Martial — United wrote: 'Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night's game. We utterly condemn it … identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic. We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour.' Image Credit: AFP

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Meanwhile, Chelsea’s statement read: 'Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening … Something needs to change and it needs to change now." Image Credit: AFP

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Kick it out — Last month, the UK government held talks with current and previous footballers to discuss racism, abuse and discrimination, and ways to combat it. Image Credit: Uefa

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