Four people have been arrested in relation to online hate speech targeting Black soccer players on England's national team after its loss to Italy in the European Championship finals.
Police said the arrests came as part of an ongoing special investigation into several incidents of racist and offensive comments on social media platforms after three Black England players -- Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka -- missed penalty kicks in the heartbreaking defeat.
A police official responsible for handling offenses related to soccer said the authorities were working closely with the social networks to identify suspects, according to Reuters.
"If we identify that you are behind this crime, we will track you down and you will face the serious consequences of your shameful actions," said Chief Constable Mark Roberts.
In Manchester, Rashford's hometown, a mural of him was defaced with racist graffiti. Residents quickly rallied to protect the mural and cover up the graffiti. The 23-year-old is hugely popular among fans for his efforts to end child food poverty in the country.
The England team kneeled throughout the tournament during the playing of national anthems, in a show of support for racial and social justice.
Amid international outrage over the recent racist attacks, the UK government and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have condemned the abuse, but he previously declined to condemn fans who booed players for kneeling.
Police said 264 arrests were made during the 24-hour period around the final.
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