Football stars in 24 hour social-media boycott over spate of racist abuse aimed at Sterling, Young, Deeney and others
A number of high-profile incidents in recent weeks have led to the PFA suggesting their members take a break to stand up against abuse
THE PFA have asked players for a social-media blackout after horrific online abuse.
Manchester United full-back Ashley Young is the latest star to get targeted following defeat in the Champions League - and the players’ union have now decided to act.
They want their members to boycott their Twitter and Instagram accounts for 24 hours, starting from 9am on Friday.
Danny Rose - who admitted he cannot wait to hang up his boots - Troy Deeney and Chris Smalling will all take part in the social media boycott.
Rose said: “I don’t want any future players to go through what I’ve been through in my career.
“Collectively, we are simply not willing to stand-by while too little is done by football authorities and social media companies to protect players from this disgusting abuse.”
Players have also been asked to change their profile picture and post a message of support for the campaign.
The PFA believes the boycott will act as a show of unity by the players and is emphasising the word “enough” after an escalation of abuse and racist language used towards players.
PFA chiefs are calling for stronger action to be taken by social networks and footballing authorities in response to racist abuse both on and off the pitch.
The union wants to work alongside the FA and the government to ensure more is done to tackle racist abuse, while also seeking to put pressure on both Fifa and Uefa through the international players’ union FIFPro.
Smalling said: “Throughout my career I have developed a thick skin against verbal abuse, justifying it as just ‘part of the game’ but the time has come for Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to consider regulating their channels, taking responsibility for protecting the mental health of users regardless of age, race, sex or income.
“I understand that I am in an extremely privileged position and I am deeply thankful for that but, at the end of the day, we are all human. As a patron of a youth education charity it is my duty to use my platform as a voice for all, regardless of background. We have to take a greater stand against discrimination of all kinds.”
Any racism in football is too much. The boycott is just one small step, but the players are speaking out with one voice against racism – enough is enough.
Troy Deeney
Young was shockingly called a "f****** n*****" and a "monkey" by his own Manchester United supporters after the captain struggled to deal with Lionel Messi & Co in the Nou Camp.
One disgusting tweet from a United read: "Ashley Young get out of my f****** club you n*****."
While another said: "White Man United supporters have the right to call Ashley Young a n***** I don't give a flying f***."
Watford captain Deeney disabled comments on Instagram after alleged racial abuse aimed at him and his family after guiding the Hornets to the FA Cup final.
He added: “My teammates and I have been on the receiving end of well-documented abuse from a minority of narrow-minded, ignorant people both on social media and on the pitch.
“Any racism in football is too much, and it’s essential that we fight it wherever and whenever we see it.
“We are sending a message to anyone that abuses players - or anyone else - whether from the crowd or online, that we won’t tolerate it within football.
“The boycott is just one small step, but the players are speaking out with one voice against racism – enough is enough.”
Chelsea fans have come under heavy scrutiny after a group of supporters racially abused Raheem Sterling earlier in the season and some were filmed singing vile songs about Mohamed Salah.
Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha was branded a "diving monkey" by a Newcastle supporter on Twitter following the Eagles' win this month.
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Meanwhile, Arsenal are investigating reports that Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was targeted at the Emirates last week and police also arrested a supporter that racially abused Wigan maestro Nathan Byrne online.
A Brentford season-ticket holder was arrested following claims that Derby ace Duane Holmes was subject to monkey chants at Griffin Park.
The Premier League launched their No Room for Racism campaign at the end of March while the Kick It Out programme continues to work hard to end such abuse, which has worryingly increased at grounds and online this season.
