Racist Abuse Hits England Stars After Euro Final Defeat
Following England’s heartbreaking loss to Italy on Sunday, vile racist abuse exploded online targeting Black players from the national team. Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were flooded with hateful comments.
Hate Crime Investigation Underway
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has launched a full-scale hate crime investigation. A dedicated squad is sifting through thousands of reports from across the country. Dozens of data requests have been made to social media firms, and four arrests have already been made by local police forces.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, National Police Chiefs’ Council Football Policing Lead, condemned the abuse:
“The racial abuse aimed at our own players following Sunday night’s game is utterly vile and has quite rightly shocked and appalled people across the country.
Our England team have been true role models during the tournament, conducting themselves with professionalism and dignity. I’m disgusted there are individuals out there who think it’s acceptable to direct such abhorrent abuse at them, or at anybody else.
The UKFPU investigation is well underway. We are working closely with social media platforms who are providing crucial data. If we identify those responsible, we will track you down. You will face serious consequences for your shameful actions.”
Tracking Down Online Racists
Reports flood in from local forces, charities, football clubs, and partner organisations daily. The UKFPU carefully assesses content and launches investigations with help from Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Once suspects are identified, their details are passed to local police to take further action with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Spike in Football-Related Crime
The aftermath of the final wasn’t just about racist abuse. In the 24-hour window surrounding the game, authorities logged 897 football-related incidents and 264 arrests nationwide. Across the entire tournament, 2,344 incidents and 630 arrests were recorded — a sharp rise compared to Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.
How to Report Hate Crime
- Call your local police on 101 or use their online reporting portal.
- Report anonymously via True Vision.
- Discrimination in football can also be reported to Kick It Out.
