Leyton Orient ban fan for life following reports of racist abuse after England’s Euro 2020 final heartbreak
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LEYTON ORIENT have banned a fan for life over racial abuse of England players online after the penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.
Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have been subjected to abuse from vile trolls after each missing a spot-kick.
The FA has issued a statement to condemn the abusers but Orient have gone one step further by issuing a three-year ban to one individual.
Orient explained they were made aware of the person's comments on Twitter late on Sunday before quickly deciding to ban them.
They later released a statement confirming the ban had been extended from three years to life.
It read: "The club has today issued a lifetime banning order to a supporter, following reports of racist abuse following last night’s Euro 2020 final.
"The supporter in question’s actions on Twitter were alerted to the Club late last night, and action has been taken swiftly to issue a banning order.
"As the Club has repeatedly made clear, we take a zero-tolerance approach to any racist abuse or discrimination."
Orient re-asserted their zero-tolerance approach to racial abuse and discrimination while declaring how proud they are of the club's diverse history.
It is a history that includes club icon Laurie Cunningham, the first black player to represent an England national team.
However, Orient did decide to refund the supporter's season ticket for the upcoming season.
But the League Two side have acted following the words of condemnation from Gareth Southgate, Prince William and Boris Johnson.
Southgate told a news conference this morning: "It's just not what we stand for.
"We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody, and so that togetherness has to continue.
"We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together."
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Prince William added: "The Duke of Cambridge, who serves as president of The FA, tweeted: "I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
"It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
"It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W."
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Boris also lamented the abuse, saying: "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."
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