Following the conclusion of the Euro 2024 tournament, the prevalent issue of online abuse targeting football players has once again taken center stage. This time, authorities are resolute in their determination to take a stand against such reprehensible behaviour. Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, has issued a stern message to those who perpetrate online abuse, affirming that they cannot “hide behind their keyboards” and emphasizing that law enforcement will actively pursue prosecution.
During the Euro 2020 final shoot-out loss to Italy at Wembley, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho were subjected to racist abuse online following their missed penalties. This deplorable conduct prompted widespread outrage and calls for action to address the issue of online abuse in football.
With enhanced procedures in place, it has become more feasible for law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals involved in online abuse. Roberts underscored the changes that have been implemented, noting that social media companies are now more responsive in providing pertinent data for investigations. As a result, perpetrators of online abuse can no longer conceal their identities behind the veil of internet anonymity, as law enforcement agencies are better equipped to trace and bring them to justice.
In a proactive effort to confront the issue, Roberts and his team initiated discussions with the England squad during the March international break at St George’s Park. The purpose of these discussions was not only to demonstrate to the squad that law enforcement takes online abuse seriously, but also to furnish them with advice on how to protect themselves and report any instances of abuse they may encounter. Through these conversations, the authorities sought to raise awareness and empower the players to take action against online abuse.
Roberts stressed the importance of approaching the issue proactively, emphasizing that it is more effective to address incidents of online abuse before they occur, rather than after the fact. By educating players about reporting methods and the commitment of law enforcement to investigating and prosecuting such behaviour, the objective is to foster a safer and more supportive online environment for footballers.
It is evident that the battle against online abuse in football is being treated with the utmost seriousness, and the warning to perpetrators is unambiguous. Those who engage in racial or hate crimes online will face consequences for their actions, as law enforcement agencies are dedicated to pursuing prosecution. With these measures in place, there is optimism that the online space for football players will evolve into a more positive and welcoming environment, free from the blight of abuse.