Published On: Sat, Jul 17th, 2021

Euro 2020: Vile racists using social media for attacks should be held accountable | UK | News

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Following England’s defeat in the Euro 2020 final against Italy last Sunday, three penalty-takers were racially abused. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all failed to score in the crucial shoot-out that handed Italy the trophy at the expense of Gareth Southgate’s side.

The trio were quickly victims of vile racist online abuse, with the actions of those responsible having been widely condemned in the hours since.

Following the horrendous abuse, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned social media companies they could face a fine of 10 percent of global revenue if they fail to stop racist abuse.

However, Andy Barrett, UK managing director of cybersecurity consultancy Coalfire, said it is not just the responsibility of social media companies.

He told Express.co.uk: “Where we really have to look is to support law enforcement really effectively.

“My view is that this is not just the responsibility of social media, the police have to be engaged and we have to hold people legally accountable for this behaviour.

“We really need to name and shame these people.

“We have got to hold the individuals accountable rather than trying to use the technology to remove the content.

“That’s where I really think the government can step in.”

READ MORE: Dad in Rashford ‘racism’ arrest admits he may have sent tweet drunk

The cyber expert said he wants to see those people convicted of racial abuse on social media to be the ones “cleaning the streets of the Marcus Rashford memorial” which was vandalised.

He added: “There has got to be a heinous social consequence for those people so it doesn’t even enter their psyche that they should say it.

“There should be a social penalty for it.

“If you brush it aside and target social media platforms, we will lose social consequence.

“These people should do the dirtiest job we can give them in full view of the public.”

Addressing the racist abuse, England manager Gareth Southgate slammed the culprits and praised Saka, who was chosen to take the decisive penalty.

Captain Harry Kane also said: “Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up & take a pen when the stakes were high.

“They deserve support & backing not the vile racist abuse they’ve had since last night.

“If you abuse anyone on social media you’re not an @England fan and we don’t want you.”

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