Euro 2020: Gareth Southgate condemns racist abuse against England players

England players have received racial abuse online after Italy win the Euros final

Gareth Southgate has described the racist abuse England players have received on social media as "unforgivable".

Despite most fans supporting England after their loss on the penalties, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho have since received targeted racist abuse on social media.

They were the three players who missed their spot kicks.

The Prime Minister tweeted after the game: "This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves."

The Metropolitan police has since launched an investigation into the abuse.

How have people responded?

Manager Gareth Southgate comforts Jadon Sancho after his missed penalty

When asked about the frustration of the abuse, Southgate said: "It's just not what we stand for."

The manger added: "The players have had such a great togetherness and spirit and brought our country together,

"For some of them to be abused is unforgivable... We have been a beacon of light to bring people together and the national team stands for everybody.

"We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together."

The FA have released a statement that said: "We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team.

"We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences.

Bukayo Saka received racist abuse online, along with his teammates Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho

"Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson posted after the game: "This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves."

Prince William (right), who was at the match, criticised the racist abuse received by the players

Joining the Prime Minister was Prince William who has said he is "sickened by the racist" abuse the players received last night.

Prince William posted: "It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.

"It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable."

The Metropolitan police have also responded saying: "We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final. This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated."

None of the England players have yet to comment on the abuse, however the England team's official twitter account said: "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."

Taking the knee

The England team have taken the knee throughout the Euros in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and have occasionally been booed by fans.

When asked about the booing, Gareth Southgate previously commented: "I think we have got a situation where some people think it's a political stand that they don't agree with - that's not the reason the players are doing it, we are supporting each other."

Social media

Marcus Rashford received racist abuse after England lost to Italy on penalties

There has been lots of criticism over social media apps in their lack of action on racist abuse online.

In a statement Facebook, who also own Instagram, said: "No one should have to experience racist abuse anywhere, and we don't want it on Instagram.

"We quickly removed comments and accounts directing abuse at England's footballers last night and we'll continue to take action against those that break our rule."

Meanwhile the government had previously announced plans for a new law that allows fines for social media companies who fail to stop online abuse such as racist hate crimes.

Back in April, Marcus Rashford was one of many players who took to a social media boycott for almost 4 days to highlight racial abuse.