Portsmouth sack three players for racist messages about Rashford, Sancho and Saka - 7M sport

Portsmouth sack three players for racist messages about Rashford, Sancho and Saka



Posted Thursday, July 29, 2021 by Dailystar.co.uk

Portsmouth have concluded an investigation and released three youth team players for messages that they sent in their private Snapchat group after England lost the Euro 2020 final

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'.

Portsmouth sack three players for racist messages about Rashford, Sancho and Saka
Portsmouth have sacked three players following an investigation (Image: Getty Images)

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.

Portsmouth sack three players for racist messages about Rashford, Sancho and Saka
The vile racist messages which were shared on Snapchat

"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.

Portsmouth sack three players for racist messages about Rashford, Sancho and Saka
England's black players were subjected to horrendous abuse after the Euro 2020 final (Image: PA)

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.”



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.