The Duke of Cambridge has condemned the racist abuse aimed at England players after Sunday night’s Euro 2020 final.
In a personal tweet Prince William, who is President of the Football Association, wrote: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match. It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W.”
The Duke was in attendance at the final with his wife Kate and their eldest child, Prince George.
It comes after the Football Association released a statement after Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were subjected to racial abuse on social media following England’s defeat in a penalty shootout against Italy.
The FA said: “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.
“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: “We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real-life consequences.
“Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse.”
England’s official account also retweeted the statement and added in a tweet: “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. We stand with our players.”
Throughout the tournament, England players have taken a knee before games at the Euros to highlight the fight against racial inequality.
