We believed it for a few lovely weeks this summer.
We believed that football was "coming home," that the beautiful game had the potential to bring people and communities together, and that it had the power to overcome prejudice.
DON'T MISS:
It's the first time I've seen people from all walks of life, regardless of cultural background, come together to cheer for the England football team - a team that not only mirrored modern Britain, but also used its celebrity to raise awareness of social injustice and the fight against racist abuse.
We saw what our country may be like if we embrace and appreciate our differences while remaining united as a nation.
The gathering was then ruined by racial trolls.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka, who gave their all on the field, became the targets of horrible racial abuse online.
It would be wonderful if we could all disregard the venom that these cowards spew from their keyboards. We're all aware that the bile they spew is utter nonsense. It's not enjoyable being in the middle of a race storm, no matter how tough your skin is.
Faceless clowns, as usual, publish the majority of the hate on social media. But, as Yvette Cooper pointed out the other day, social media has given these jerks a global platform. Despite the widespread condemnation of the abuse, the aftermath from the texts has revived painful old scars.
DON'T MISS:
Boris Johnson said in yesterday's PMQs that anyone found spreading racist comments on social media would be barred from attending matches — this is a major deal. Who knows whether they ever go to a football game? Who cares, to be honest? Anyone who posts racist abuse online should face considerably harsher sanctions, including lengthy prison sentences.
Multibillion-dollar social media businesses must do a better job of safeguarding their users and preventing racist and hate speech from emerging on their platforms. There's no question that if Facebook can send in the social media cops to crack down on photographs of women breastfeeding, they'll be able to stop racist abuse.
Before getting an account, users should have to establish their identity or have their parents do it for them. I'm aware that this could have a negative impact on those that use it. However, the minority is to blame for the majority's demise.
People who reject racism should likewise refrain from sharing and reposting these heinous statements, as they are essentially doing the racists' work for them.
Above all, as distressing as it is, we must not allow racists to triumph. Take a look at the response to the Marcus Rashford mural, which was covered in messages of support, to see how love can overcome hate. We've come a long way since then. Make sure the losers don't get a taste of victory.
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