Former Colchester United striker: Social media platforms must do more to fight racism
Chris Iwelumo, former striker for Colchester United says the racists online are a "disgrace"
Former Colchester United player, Chris Iwelumo says that social media platforms should “do more”, following the racist abuse targeted at England football players.
Earlier in the week, Essex County Council leaders called for "the toughest punishments possible for those responsible" for the abuse of England's footballers.
The Chairman, Councillor Eddie Johnson, and the Council’s Political Group Leaders sent out an open letter.
The authority has said: “Essex County Council applauds the achievements of the England football team in reaching the final of the European Championships.
“We are proud that the team reflected England’s diversity, and we recognise that its spirit of teamwork and mutual support is a model for the whole country.”
Chris Iwelumo, former striker for Colchester United said it was “disappointing” to see the hate targeted towards young footballers who missed penalties at the EUROS final against Italy.
“The nerves, the bottle it takes for the player s to step up. It showed great strength, great character And then the aftermath of the match – I’ve got to say, I’m so disappointed in.
Racial abuse following the major tournament final was targeted towards Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka online, on social platforms such as Twitter.
“The social media platforms need to do something more. Maybe every account on social media has to be verified by a passport and every account must be verified, or something along those lines.
“These keyboard warriors – they are cowardly. They are an absolute disgrace. I’m seeing all of the ex-England players coming out now and saying that these aren’t true football fans, and they aren’t.
“They sit and cheer when Sterling wins a penalty against Denmark and saying how Saka has been outstanding in the tournament… But then for an 18 or 19 year old to get the abuse he has got because he had the bottle to step up and take the penalty – wow.
“There’s something very wrong in these people’s minds. I understand that they want to vent and there’s frustration because of how close they are to winning a major, but come on, it’s just not right.
On the issue, Essex County Council said: “We strongly condemn the racist abuse which was aimed at some of the England team on social media, and we support the Football Association’s call for the toughest punishments possible for those responsible.”