Prince William is speaking up and slamming online trolls who targeted certain English soccer players after the team lost the 2020 European Championship.
On Sunday, July 11, England and Italy duked it out at Wembley Stadium in London, U.K. The game was intense to say the least and ended up going to penalty kicks.
Italy would go on to win the championship with a final score of 3-2.
Social media was abuzz after England took the ‘L’ and online trolls took aim at three of England’s Black players.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, three of the team’s Black players who took part in the penalty shootout, were flooded with hateful comments online.
Prince William took to Twitter not long after the abuse started and 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”
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 and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 12, 2021
England’s Football Association also released a statement regarding the racism and online hate.
“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,” the statement said.
“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,” the statement read.
The soccer team’s official Twitter account tweeted out this sentiment, “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.”
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 ❤️ https://t.co/1Ce48XRHEl
— England (@England) July 12, 2021
Prior to William’s denouncement of racist abuse, he showed his support for England after their loss.
“England, you’ve all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn’t our day,” he tweeted shortly after the tournament was over. “You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves — I know there’s more to come.”
Adele also showed her support on Instagram posting a pic of herself in England’s jersey.
She wrote, “You did us so proud. You brought our game home and brought us all together.”
View this post on Instagram
Comedian and actor Jack Whitehall wrote, “Not how it was meant to end but what a journey. Gareth and the team did us proud but in the end came up just short. Bring on the World Cup which I suspect in Qatar will have a slightly different vibe to what Wembley was like last night. Few less topless lager snakes I’d imagine. Wanted to give Saka a hug at the end, love that guy and you wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Respect.”
