1 million people have signed a petition demanding that racists be banned from football stadiums following the racist abuse put online following England's defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
Following the game, England lost on penalties, with three black players missing a penalty each, those players were then subjected to a huge amount of racist abuse online and a mural of black English footballer, Marcus Rashford, who missed one of the penalties, was vandalised with racist graffiti.
The petition and proposal have been backed by England manager Gareth Southgate and UK prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The petition states:
"After last night's match, vile racist abuse was directed at our heroic players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho. Minutes after the final whistle of the Euro final, The Football Association issued a statement which said: "We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible".
As multi-racial football fans, we finally feel represented by this anti-racist and inclusive England team. We could not be more proud or inspired by our magnificent team and by their talent, bravery, leadership and love for all. Gareth Southgate's England team plays for ALL of us. Their vision is an inclusive vision and this matters more than EVER - it's why we feel proud of this team and why they're so cherished and loved by many of us. There should be no room for racists and bigotry in football or society.
We are calling for the Football Association and the government to work together now to ban all those who have carried out racist abuse, online or offline, from all football matches in England for life.
Our England team stood up for all of us - now we must stand up for them."
[h/t: I heart Intelligence]
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