Marcus Rashford responds after receiving racist abuse on social media

The Football Association has vowed to work with the Government and social media platforms to eradicate racism from the game, with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford the latest player to be targeted by online abuse.

Following his side’s goalless draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, Rashford chose not to share screenshots of the offensive messages he had been sent post-match as ‘it would be irresponsible to do so’.

He tweeted: ‘Humanity and social media at its worst. Yes I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am. No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you’re just simply not going to get it here.

‘I’m not sharing screenshots. It would be irresponsible to do so and as you can imagine there’s nothing original in them.

‘I have beautiful children of all colours following me and they don’t need to read it. Beautiful colours that should only be celebrated.’

‘This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it. In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.

‘We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour.

‘Something needs to change and it needs to change now.’

Speaking on Friday about the earlier incidents, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters had said: ‘Tackling online hate is a priority for football, and I believe social media companies need to do more.’

Relating to the abuse of Sawyers, West Midlands Police said a 49-year-old man from Kingswinford, near Birmingham, was questioned in custody on Friday evening.

The force’s football hate crime officer is also investigating reports of another racist comment towards the player.

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