Professional footballers to boycott social media in protest at racial abuse
Footballers in England and Wales are to boycott social media for 24 hours in protest at how websites such as Twitter and Instagram deal with racist abuse.
The stand has been organised by the PFA and comes after a number of high-profile incidents both on the websites and in stadiums during the current season.
A number of leading Premier League players are expected to take part as the PFA look to take a stand against racism.
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👊🏽👊🏼👊🏿 Making a stand against racist abuse!
A player led 24hr boycott on social media.
Read more: https://t.co/XxVkrefZ1H pic.twitter.com/I787Ar6rKg
— PFA | Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 18, 2019
“Over the last few months, both domestically and internationally, there have been a number of high-profile racist incidents directed at players,” the PFA said in a statement.
“The boycott acts as a show of unity by the players, and a call for stronger action to be taken by social networks and footballing authorities in response to racist abuse both on and off the pitch.
“The boycott is the first step in a longer campaign to tackle racism in football. The PFA will continue to work closely with The FA and government to ensure more is done to tackle racist abuse, while also seeking to put pressure on both FIFA and UEFA.”
Watford skipper Troy Deeney, who disabled comments on his Instagram account earlier this month following racist comments, is taking part in the boycott.
“On Friday we are sending a message to anyone that abuses players – or anyone else – whether from the crowd or online, that we won’t tolerate it within football,” he said.
“The boycott is just one small step, but the players are speaking out with one voice against racism.”
It will begin at 9am on Friday morning, when players are encouraged to this message on their social media, alongside the #Enough hashtag.
“We are making a stand against racist abuse,” the message will say. “We recognise that our platforms come with responsibility, and so we are using our voice to stand against racist abuse. Together, we are calling on social media platforms and footballing bodies to do more!”
The latest incident saw Ashley Young racially abused by some Manchester United fans on social media following their defeat at Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Raheem Sterling was abused while playing for Manchester City at Chelsea, Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a banana thrown at him by Spurs supporters and England players were subjected to monkey chants when they played in Montenegro last month.
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