Deadlocked after 120 thrilling minutes, Sunday’s Euro final between Italy and England at rain-drenched Wembley Stadium in London came down to penalty kicks. The Italians would emerge victorious, winning the ensuing shootout by the thinnest of margins (3-2). Members of the English side did not take the loss well (players instantly rejected their second-place medals, removing them from their necks as quickly as possible), and, apparently neither did their fans, with many hurling vicious online abuse at the trio of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, all of whom are black. England football responded to the racial attacks Monday, condemning all forms of discrimination.
“We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behavior is not welcome in following the team,” England football expressed on Twitter. “We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.”
Arsenal also issued a statement in support of Saka, whose missed penalty contributed to England’s defeat. “Last night, we saw Bukayo Saka reach the Euro 2020 final at the age of 19 years old,” the statement read. “However, this feeling of pride quickly turned to sorrow at the racist comments our young player was subjected to on his social media platforms after the final whistle. Once again, we are sad to have to say we condemn the racism of a number of black players. This cannot continue and the social media platforms and authorities must act to ensure this disgusting abuse to which our players are subjected on a daily basis stops now.”
Appearing in its first Euro final, England surged to an early 1-0 lead, drawing first blood on a breathtaking volley by Luke Shaw.
Leonardo Bonucci delivered the equalizer for Italy in the 67th minute, beating keeper Jordan Pickford to cap a chaotic sequence in front of the net.
On top of being harassed online, a mural of Rashford was vandalized in his native Manchester, eliciting strong responses from many including English manager Gareth Southgate, who characterized the vitriol and hatred aimed at Rashford and the team’s other black players as “unforgivable.” “It’s just not what we stand for,” said Southgate, who took responsibility for choosing who would take England’s penalties after the 30-minute overtime failed to produce a winner. “We heal together as a team now.”
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram