Last night, over 100 women, LGBTQ and trans footballers from local grassroots teams marched to Westminster Bridge in support of England stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka.
After missing from the spot during England's penalty shootout against Italy in the Euro 2020 Final, the trio faced racial abuse online.
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All three have now issued messages on Twitter, expressing regret for missing the flight but condemning the racial abuse they experienced.
“I can take criticism of my performance all day long,” Rashford wrote. My penalty should have gone in, but I will never apologize for who I am or where I came from.”
“Hate will never win,” Sancho said in a similar vein. Hold your heads up and keep seeking the dream, to all the young people who have experienced similar abuse.”
Saka was the latest of the three to post on social media, opting to take a few days off to spend time with his family. He warned in his message that if he missed the final penalty, he would undoubtedly face abuse.
“I don't want any other child or adult to have to deal with the cruel and hurtful letters that Marcus and I have received this week.
“I could tell right away what type of hate I was going to get, and it's a sad truth that your huge platforms aren't doing enough to stop these messages.”
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has met with representatives from social media companies to discuss the need for action in response to the racist abuse, though Labour leader Keir Starmer has urged Johnson to use the Online Safety Bill to give courts the power to ban people convicted of racist abuse from using the internet.
The protest in Westminster on Thursday night backed up this call to action. Those who gathered draped a sign over Westminster Bridge that read: “Rashford, Sancho, Saka, we stand with you,” organized by Peckham-based grassroots team Legends FC.
A member of Legends FC spoke to women's football fansite This Fan Girl about the need to demonstrate sympathy with the players who had been abused, as well as the reasons for the protest.
“Racism must be eradicated from all levels of sport, and politicians must lead from the front,” they said.
“Black greatness should not be a prerequisite for receiving basic human respect. We wanted to demonstrate our support, as well as the support of women's teams from all throughout London.”
Other grassroots teams, such as Lush Lyfe FC from South London, which is made up of women, genderqueer, and non-binary players, were also present in Westminister.
“We want to send a strong message to the Government and football's regulatory bodies that empty platitudes and ‘condemning' racist behavior after the fact is not good enough,” Molly, the side's manager, told the Evening Standard.
“Politicians should take the initiative and lead from the front. Supporting players' actions, condemning racism and all forms of abuse, and using all powers at their disposal to put in place measures to combat racism on online platforms and in stadiums across the UK.”
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