A petition has surfaced online calling for a lifetime ban for all racists from football matches in England.
At almost 1 million signatures, it’s already near to becoming one of the most-signed petitions on Change.org.
Clearly, its message has struck a chord with the nation following an increase in racist abuse against both players and civilians following England’s loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday night.
After Luke Shaw scored an early goal for the English team just 1 minute and 37 seconds into the match, play slowed with Italy clawing it back to a draw in the second half before ultimately the game went to penalties.
Youngsters Bukayo Saka, 19, Marcus Rashford, 23, and Jadon Sancho, 21, were all put up to take shots – but all three sadly missed.
This agonising loss on penalties led to an outpouring of grief from football supporters online. In a number of abhorrent and inexcusable instances, it also led to a number of racially motivated attacks that were carried out both online and in person.
The FA has condemned the “disgusting” behaviour, saying they will do “all we can to support the players affected”. It also added it would push for the “toughest punishments possible” for anyone responsible.
A number of official figures, including members of the government like Priti Patel and Boris Johnson, also made statements condemning the racist behaviour of fans.
However, some have suggested that previous comments by top Conservative politicians in the lead up to the final – particularly those that refused to condemn the booing of footballers taking the knee, branding the move “gesture politics” – had “stoked the flames” of tension in the country ahead of the final.
On Monday 12, Labour’s Angela Rayner pointed the finger at top Tories who stoked division over the knee protest – replying to a tweet from Ms. Patel after the Home Secretary took to Twitter to claim she was “disgusted that England players who have given so much for our country this summer have been subject to vile racist abuse on social media”.
“Let me be clear. The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary gave license to the racists who booed the England players and are now racially abusing England players,” replied Rayner.
“Boris Johnson and Priti Patel are like arsonists complaining about a fire they poured petrol on. Total hypocrites.”
The Change.org petition, entitled ‘Ban racists for life from all football matches in England’, was set up by anti-racism campaigner Shaista Aziz and her friends under the name of the Three Hijabis.
Directed at Boris Johnson and his Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, the petition states:
“After last night’s match, vile racist abuse was directed at our heroic players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho. Minutes after the final whistle of the Euro final, The Football Association issued a statement which said: “We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team.
“We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.
“As multi-racial football fans, we finally feel represented by this anti-racist and inclusive England team. We could not be more proud or inspired by our magnificent team and by their talent, bravery, leadership and love for all. Gareth Southgate’s England team plays for ALL of us.
“Their vision is an inclusive vision and this matters more than EVER – it’s why we feel proud of this team and why they’re so cherished and loved by many of us. There should be no room for racists and bigotry in football or society.
“We are calling for the Football Association and the government to work together now to ban all those who have carried out racist abuse, online or offline, from all football matches in England for life.
“Our England team stood up for all of us – now we must stand up for them.”
At the time of writing the petition is currently at 891,840 signatures. To add yours and show your support, click here.
