F1 world champion Hamilton condemns racist abuse against England players

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Formula 1 F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 4, 2021 Mercedes Lewis Hamilton before the Pool race via REUTERS / Christian Bruna / File Photo

July 12 (Reuters) – Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed his support for the three black England soccer players who missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday, after being subjected to a torrent of racist abuse on social networks.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missed their shots on goal as Italy won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time at Wembley Stadium. Read more

Hamilton, a strong advocate for social justice, said on Instagram on Monday that the abuse suffered by the England trio shows how much remains to be done in the fight against racism.

“The pressure to deliver is felt by every athlete, but when you are a minority representing your country it is a multi-layered experience,” said Hamilton.

“Success would look like a double victory, but failure looks like a double failure when compounded by racist abuse.

“We have to work for a society that does not require black players to prove their worth or place in society just by winning. Ultimately, everyone in the England squad should be so proud of their success and how they represented us. “

Twitter said it deleted more than 1,000 tweets and permanently suspended a number of accounts following the “heinous” abuse against players, while Facebook said it also deleted abusive comments and accounts.

“Racial abuse on social media towards our players after yesterday’s game is unacceptable,” Hamilton added.

“This kind of ignorance must be stopped. Tolerance and respect for players of color should not be conditional. Our humanity should not be conditional.”

Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Bangalore; Editing by Ken Ferris

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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