Source: msn
Social media giants are being threatened with huge fines unless they do more to stamp out racist online abuse, as England’s defeat at the Euro 2020 final triggers a fresh reckoning over race relations in football.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the people targeting three black players who missed spot-kicks in the penalty shootout against Italy should “crawl back under the rock from which you emerged”, while his culture minister vowed to push ahead with new laws designed to curb online attacks.
Marcus Rashford, 23, Jadon Sancho, 21, and Bukayo Saka, 19, were surrounded by a support network on Monday after being subjected to a torrent of racially-charged online abuse following England’s heartbreaking loss at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
A “sickened” Prince William led a chorus of condemnation and demanded action.
“It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour,” William, who is president of the England Football Association, said.
“It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.”
7News Australia has also been caught up in the furore after posting a story on its Facebook page following Sunday’s final with the comment:
“Three black players failed in the penalty shootout”.
The Facebook post linked to a story about the racial abuse.
The network apologised for the “regrettable mistake” and said it had been fixed as soon as possible.
