Premier League clubs set to launch social media blackout to combat racism

Premier League clubs are set to launch a social media blackout next month in a bid to combat racism online.

According to the Daily Mail, top-flight sides have set the wheels in motion for a ‘Weekend of Action’ from May 1 to 3, which will see every club go silent on social media for a 24-hour period around their matches.

The proposals have been drawn up following a number of sickening incidents online in recent weeks, with the Premier League also set to stop its own social media content for the duration of the match round.

That will include Manchester United’s crunch clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Premier League teams have been invited to mute their own channels from midnight to midnight on their own game days, and backing from the EFL, the FA and the PFA is also expected.

Top flight chief executive Richard Masters has spoken with several clubs about the idea of a social-media boycott, insisting there is a consensus for action to be taken.

Clubs have been asked to confirm their support and whether they will comply with the boycott by 2pm on Monday 19 April.

Messages calling for the education of supporters and legislation changes will also be promoted on social-media channels, with Masters writing in an email: “There would be no usual football content.

Top trending sport stories right now

  • Ebanie Bridges disfigured from her fight
  • Dustin Johnson £12m Florida mansion sold
  • Rachael Blackmore to get Hollywood film
  • Mike Tyson's intimidating DMX ring walk

    • “Instead channels would be used to put pressure on the social media companies and drive awareness of the racist and other discriminatory abuse that we continue to see appear on the platforms'.

    Premier League players will be asked to show their backing for the boycott ahead of the Weekend of Action, but Masters has also acknowledged that some clubs may wish to proceed in different ways which fit with their own existing anti-discrimination campaigns.

    He added: “It is critical we have a collective commitment to the Weekend of Action”.

    Meetings will be held early this week, with an announcement to come before Thursday.

    READ MORE:Wayne Rooney's 2018 Jose Mourinho comments prove Paul Pogba spat is no surprise

    READ MORE:Paul Pogba wants new Man Utd contract to take overall earnings close to £800,000-a-week

    Source: Read Full Article