Portsmouth sack three players for racist messages about Rashford, Sancho & Saka
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Portsmouth have sacked three youth players for sending racist messages in a private group chat.
Images were leaked of the Snapchat conversation between players which included racial abuse at England players after the Euro 2020 final.
Sunday's heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat at Wembley prompted horrific abuse towards members of Gareth Southgate's side.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all failed to convert from the spot and were bombarded with a barrage of abuse on their social media channels.
One individual in the chat called for Rashford to be 'lynched' before saying their houses would be getting 'bombed'.
Another member of the chat proceeded to use the word 'n*****' repeatedly, also writing that "all black ones missed."
Monkey emojis and other offensive images were also used in the conversation.
A Portsmouth statement said: "Portsmouth Football Club can confirm that the investigation – and subsequent disciplinary process – into discriminatory messages that originated from an academy U18 private group chat has now concluded.
"We can confirm that a decision has been made today (July 28) to release three players from the academy. These players do have the right to appeal the club’s decision.
"Portsmouth Football Club are fully committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination.
"We are part of a diverse community and are dedicated to promoting an environment of equality and inclusion at all times – both inside the football club and in our wider society.
"We also continue to respectfully appeal for everyone’s consideration in their use of social media posts directed towards any of the club’s employees and any other external parties."
Fans on social media called for the League One club to release the players involved if they were found to be guilty.
The majority of England supporters condemned the vile racial language aimed at Rashford, Sancho and Saka in recent days.
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A mural of Rashford painted on the side of a cafe near Manchester was defaced just hours after the shootout.
However, hundreds of people have flocked to the site to leave messages of hope.
Reacting to the scenes in Withington, Manchester United star Rashford said: "Overwhelmed. Thankful. Lost for words."
England boss Southgate called out the vile attacks on his players, along with Three Lions captain Harry Kane.
The Spurs star tweeted: "Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up & take a pen when the stakes were high.
"They deserve support and 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.”
- Marcus Rashford
- Euro 2020
- Portsmouth FC
- Jadon Sancho
- England Football Team
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