Police to launch investigation into racist abuse of England stars Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka during Euro 2024
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Online racist abuse aimed at England duo Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham during Euro 2024 will be investigated by the authorities.
WHAT HAPPENED?
England’s run to the final of Euro 2024 ended in defeat against Spain and throughout the whole tournament, both the Arsenal and Real Madrid stars were subjected to online abuse. Now, according to the Daily Mail, the Football Association have referred a UEFA report detailing the attacks to police who will investigate the matter.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The UEFA report indicates that Saka and Bellingham were the two players who received the most abuse during the tournament. The former was believed to have suffered 51 ‘tier one’ comments while Bellingham had 40. The organisation classifies a tier one comment as “being the most harmful and recognised as candidate for prosecution according to law”.
DID YOU KNOW?
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, who represents Switzerland, was third most targeted player behind the two England stars with 31 comments followed by Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku with 30.
WHAT NEXT?
The Online Safety Act allows police to intervene with online abuse and the FA have provided funding to help facilitate investigations. With so much abuse directed at players throughout Euro 2024, it is likely that there will be prosecutions in the coming weeks and months.
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