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Downing Street on Monday rejected Labor claims that Boris Johnson had given cover to racists who attacked online abuses against members of the England team following the final defeat of Euro 2020 against Italy.
England manager Gareth Southgate condemned racist attacks on social media as “unforgivable”, but in the harsh aftermath of the Wembley final a political row erupted over Johnson’s handling of cultural and racial issues.
At the start of the tournament, Johnson refused to condemn fans who booed England players for “taking their knees,” the anti-racist gesture, while Home Secretary Priti Patel said fans had right to boo.
After the defeat of England in a tense penalty shootout, racists pointed to Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka on social media for failing their penalty kicks.
Johnson condemned the “terrible” abuse of social media targeting black players after the game, and called the team “heroes”. Meanwhile, Patel said she was “disgusted” by the “vile racist abuse.”
But Angela Rayner, the deputy director of Labor, wrote on Twitter: “Boris Johnson and Priti Patel are like arsonists complaining about a fire in which they poured petrol. Total hypocrites. ”Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said Johnson had“ failed the leadership test ”.
On Monday evening, a black member of the England squadron, Tyrone Mings, attacked the Home Secretary directly on social media for her role.
He rejected Patel’s condemnation of the abuses and wrote: “You can’t light a fire at the beginning of the tournament by labeling our anti-racism message as ‘Political Deeds’ and then pretending to be upset when we’re campaigning against events “.
And inside an emotional message for fans, Rashford tweeted that she expected to write about him, either because of the color of his skin, where he was from, or because of his out-of-tone behavior.
“I can criticize my performance all day. . . but I will never apologize for who I am and where I came from ”.
Meanwhile, former England player Gary Neville said: “The prime minister said it was good for the people of this country to support those players who were trying to promote equality and defend themselves from racism. It starts at the top.”
Englishman Harry Kane consoles Bukayo Saka, who missed a penalty after the final © AP
Downing Street denied the claim, saying Johnson had been pointing out that he “wanted to see people cheering on the team, not booing.” Johnson tweeted Monday that people who abused England’s players “should be ashamed of themselves”.
Earlier, Southgate condemned the online abuses and added that his team “has been a beacon of light in bringing people together in people who could relate to the national team, and that the national team is for to everyone and that the union must continue “.
He added: “It is unforgivable that some are mistreated. It’s just not what we stand for. ”
Prince William said he was “sick” of racism.
The incidents show how social media companies have struggled to crack down on racism and abuse on their platforms, even though high-profile players, including the England team, and lawmakers have repeatedly called for action.
Footballers are often teased on social media after losing a game, but the worst abuse is usually reserved for black footballers and ethnic minorities. English football, including the Premier League and its clubs, boycotted Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in April to draw attention to the abuses.
England’s players have continued to get on their knees before matches, but a minority of fans have booed.
Racism will also add security issues, questions about police at the event and how fans behaved throughout the day.
The Football Association, the sport’s internal governing body, said it would support players and pursue the “toughest punishments” for those responsible.
“We couldn’t be clearer that anyone with such disgusting behavior is not welcome to follow the team,” he added.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said people responsible for the abuses “should be held accountable” and that “social media companies should act immediately to eliminate and prevent this hatred”.
Metropolitan Police said they were aware of the “offensive and racist comments” on social media after the final and added that they would investigate.
Additional reports by Robert Wright.
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