It was an intense final which went down to the penalties and Italy were crowned the Euros 2020 champions. England fell short and all the three players who missed the spot kicks were subject to racial abuse online.
It was Marcus Rashford who scuffed his penalty wide followed by Jadon Sancho who was kept out by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Lastly Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka was also kept out by the Italian custodian, handing Italy the Euro win. Within an hour, there were several racist remarks on social media by the fans.
However, the English Football Association have issued a statement condemning the abuse and the actions taken by the fans online to demean and ridicule the England players. The FA expressed how they were appalled by the language used by the fans for the three players subject to abuse.
The England team have regularly taken a knee before the matches in the Euros. They have always spoken about inequality to extend their support to end racism all across the globe. The Statement further stated how the English squad is multi ethnic and upholds all cultures within their team. They have won hearts with their performances in the European Championship.
“The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media,” the statement 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,” it added.
Later a statement from the England team also came out condemning the racist remarks thrown at those three players for missing the spot kicks. “We’re disgusted that some of our squad — who have given everything for the shirt this summer — have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game,” the Three Lions official handle tweeted.
It was a very intense game followed by an even more challenging penalty shootout. Things titled towards England when Andrea Belotti missed his kick from the spot. But Marcus Rashford’s strike wide, restored parity. The pressure piled up when Jadon Sancho was also kept out. It was a huge task for Arsenal’s 19-year-old youngster Bukayo Saka to keep England in the game. But the pressure got the better of the youngster who was once again kept out by the Italian custodian. A win would have ended England’s 55-year International trophy drought as they last won the 1966 World Cup.
