England's Football Association has released a statement condemning the online racist abuse of players, after the team's penalty-shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
The sides drew 1-1 after extra time and Italy won the shootout 3-2, with England players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka - who are all black - missing spot-kicks.
"The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media," says the Football Association.
"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."
Just moments after England's heartbreaking loss, Sancho, Saka and Rashford's Instagram accounts were inundated with racial abuse, including monkey and banana emojis.
Racism has been a hot topic since the start of the tournament, when England manager Gareth Southgate was forced to defend his players from a public backlash to taking a knee before games - a gesture against racism.
Sections of the crowd booed, as the players knelt before pre-tournament warm-up matches against Austria and Romania.
"Our players are role models and beyond the confines of the pitch, we must recognise the impact they can have on society,” the England boss wrote in the Players' Tribune.
"We must give them the confidence to stand up for their teammates and the things that matter to them as people. I have never believed that we should just stick to football.
"It's their duty to continue to interact with the public on matters such as equality, inclusivity and racial injustice, while using the power of their voices to help put debates on the table, raise awareness and educate."
The England team has also taken to social media to condemn the abuse directed at its players.
"We're disgusted that some of our squad - who have given everything for the shirt this summer - have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight's game," the team tweets.
British police say they will investigate the posts.
"We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final," the Metropolitan Police tweets.
"This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated."
Reuters/Newshub.
