Conviction of Tory MP who blamed Marcus Rashford’s anti-hunger campaign for England’s defeat

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North East MP Catherine McKinell has come to the defense of English football hero Marcus Rashford – after being attacked by a Tory politician.

Rashford, 23, was one of three England players to miss a penalty in the dramatic Euro 2020 final on Sunday. In addition to his incredible talent on the pitch, the Manchester United striker is known for his campaign against child hunger.

He was criticized by Conservative MP for Dover Natalie Elphicke, who said: ‘They lost – would it be ungenerous to suggest that Rashford should have spent more time honing his game and less time playing politics “

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The comment, sent to a WhatsApp group of Tory MPs, was apparently meant to be private. But it was leaked and published by the news channel GB News.

Ms McKinnell, Labor MP for Newcastle North, responded on Twitter: ‘Why would anyone judge Marcus Rashford for spending his free time fighting for underprivileged children to eat, read and be inspired? The raw truth that he says is it too painful to hear?

“Government members should be ashamed of themselves and act – unfortunately right now this country needs leaders like Marcus.”

It comes after some government critics accused ministers of hypocrisy for supporting England players who have been subjected to vile racist abuse on social media.

Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all failed on the spot on Sunday night as England lost on penalties.

The trio’s social media pages were quickly inundated with racist comments, leading the Prime Minister to condemn the disgusting behavior, alongside the Duke of Cambridge and the FA.

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Mr Johnson tweeted: This England team deserves to be hailed as heroes, not racist abuse on social media. Those responsible for these appalling abuses should be ashamed of themselves.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was disgusted by the vile racist abuse players were subjected to.

Critics say the comments are inconsistent with previous remarks made by politicians, when they failed to support England footballers to “get on their knees” to highlight racial inequalities and discrimination.

Speaking at a briefing last month, Mr Johnson’s official spokesperson said: Taking the knee, in particular, the PM is focusing more on action than gestures, but he fully respects the law of those who choose to demonstrate peacefully to make their feelings known.

Three days later, however, at a different briefing, when asked if Mr Johnson is supporting the players who kneel, a spokesperson for No.10 said: Yes. The Prime Minister respects the right of all to demonstrate peacefully and to express their feelings in the face of injustice.

The Prime Minister wants everyone to line up behind the team to encourage them, not boo.

Ms Patel, in an interview with GB News last month, did not condemn football fans who booed players for taking the knee, calling it a choice for them.

Former England defender Gary Neville has suggested that the racist abuse “starts at the top”.

He told Sky News: I just read your latest news and it says the Prime Minister condemns racist abuse against English players. “

“Gareth Southgate and the players a few weeks ago, about five days at the trot, told us they were on their knees to promote equality and that was against racism.

“The Prime Minister said it was okay for the people of this country to boo the players who were trying to promote equality and defend themselves against racism. It starts at the top.

“I wasn’t at all surprised to wake up to these headlines; I expected the minute the three players who missed missed.”

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