Marcus Rashford hits back at social media trolls after racist abuse

Alec Fenn

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Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford said the racial abuse he received online after Saturday's 0-0 draw at Arsenal was "humanity and social media at its worst."

The 23-year-old, who has been hailed during the pandemic for his campaigning against child poverty, said he refused to take screenshots of the multiple messages he received as it would be "irresponsible to do so."

"Humanity and social media at its worst," he tweeted. "Yes I'm a black man and I live every day proud that I am. No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different."

Manchester United soccer player Marcus Rashford described the racial abuse as "humanity and social media at its very worst." /MichaelRegan/AP

"So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you're just simply not going to get it here.

"I'm not sharing screenshots. It would be irresponsible to do so... there's nothing original in them. I have beautiful children of all colors following me and they don't need to read it. Beautiful colors that should only be celebrated."

The Football Association (FA) had earlier condemned the racial abuse of players after United duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial, West Bromwich Albion's Romaine Sawyers and Chelsea's Reece James were targeted this week.

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Police on Friday (January 29) said they had arrested a 49-year-old man relating to the abuse of Sawyers.

Government ministers met top English players on Monday (January 25) to discuss online abuse and discrimination as part of a series of "Future of Football" discussions.

Source(s): Reuters