“United against racism”
Reds players condemning racist posts against Martial and Tuanzabe
“Disgusted”
Manchester United are expressing their disappointment over some racial posts directed at some of their players.
Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe got messages of hate on Instagram and Twitter following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United on Wednesday.
Following the game, numerous people posted racist comments and symbols on old photos.
The football club released a statement earlier today regarding the situation.
“Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night’s game.
“We utterly condemn it and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media also.
“Identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic. We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour.”
Several United players past and present are speaking out about the matter as well.
Captain Harry Maguire on social media said: “United against racism. We will not tolerate it.”
Former United skipper Rio Ferdinand calls the posts a “disgrace” adding that “these ignorant idiots need to be exposed so everyone can see them for what they are.”
The anti-racism charity Kick it Out also expressed anger over the situation.
“We know that discriminatory abuse can have significant real world impact on the welfare of the victims,” Kick it Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari said.
What to do?
On Monday the UK government met with current and former footballers to discuss how to deal with discrimination and abuse.
The government plans to introduce new laws this year concerning online abuse.
They’re also launching a fan-led review on football governance later this year.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), is encouraging Tuanzebe and Martial to “press charges”.
Tuanzebe posted a video on his Instagram account (@axeltuanzebe_38) Thursday night with the caption “My RACE My RELIGION My COLOUR=FOOTBALL”.
The Premier League has previously challenged social media companies to take action against abusers.
They launched an online abuse reporting system last year. (JSL).
