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Gwen Berry is defending England football stars targeted in racist social media posts following a loss to Italy at the European Championship.
The American Olympian hammer thrower recently made headlines for turning her back on the flag during the Olympic trials.
“Heartbreaking situation! Why am I not surprised! Berry tweeted Monday above an article about online abuse.
“This hatred is the reason why athletes cannot ‘just be athletes’. We must stand up against these social issues until they no longer affect our lives! Berry continued, before “sending my love” to Marcus Rashford, 23, Jadon Sancho, 21, Bukayo Saka, 19, and their families.
In a follow-up tweet, Berry added, “They only like us when it benefits them.”
The three black soccer players have been the target of racist messages online after missing penalties for England in a shootout – following a 1-1 draw – against Italy in the Euro on Sunday evening. The team knelt before the game to protest the ongoing struggle against racial inequality and social injustice.
The actions on social media drew responses from the English Football Association, as well as Prince William, denouncing the obscene language launched against English players.
“The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism which has targeted some of our English players on social networks,” the statement said in part.
“We couldn’t be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behavior is unwelcome to follow the team. We will do our utmost to support the affected players while demanding the most severe penalties possible for anyone responsible. “
The Duke of Cambridge posted the following Twitter statement:
“I am sickened by the racist abuse targeting English players after last night’s game. It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this heinous behavior. It must stop now and everyone involved must be held accountable. W. ”
The England team also tweeted a statement condemning the abuse directed at its players on social media.
“We are disgusted that some of our team – who gave their all for the shirt this summer – suffered discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game,” the team tweeted via AP.
Twitter revealed in a statement that it had deleted more than 1,000 tweets and suspended a number of accounts following “heinous” racist abuse against England players.
London Metropolitan Police said they were investigating “offensive and racist»Social media posts.
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