Police unit set up to investigate racist abuse against England players after Euro 2020 final | UK News

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A police unit has been set up to investigate an increase in reports of racist abuse against English football players on social media following the Euro 2020 final.

A torrent of racist comments targeting several members of the black squad flooded platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter following England’s loss to Italy at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The National Council of Chiefs of Police (NPCC) has revealed that a hate crimes investigation is being carried out by a dedicated team from the UK Football Police Unit (UKFPU).

Image: A Stand Up to Racism protest at the Marcus Rashford mural in Manchester after being disfigured

The team, which is working on the large number of reports from across the country, has already submitted dozens of data requests to social media companies, the NPCC said.

Meanwhile, four people have been arrested by local police forces since Sunday’s game.

Greater Manchester Police on Wednesday confirmed that a 37-year-old man from Ashton-upon-Mersey had been arrested on suspicion of breaching the Malicious Communications Act.

It came a day after West Mercia Police arrested a man while investigating a racist tweet targeting Marcus Rashford.

The 50-year-old, from Powick, near Worcester, was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred following reports of an inappropriate tweet posted on Sunday.

Police Chief Mark Roberts, NPCC Football Police Chief, said: “The racial abuse targeting our own players after Sunday night’s game is utterly vile and has rightly shocked and dismayed people at across the country.

“Our England team have been true role models during the tournament, conducting themselves with professionalism and dignity. I am disgusted that there are people who think it is okay to direct such heinous abuse against them, or against them. someone else.

“The UKFPU investigation is well advanced and work continues to identify those responsible.

“We work closely with social media platforms, which provide the data we need to move investigations forward. If we identify that you are behind this crime, we will hunt you down and face the dire consequences of your actions. shameful. “

Reports reach the UKFPU through a variety of channels, including local forces, charities, football clubs and other partner organizations, the NPCC said.

Image: Rashford has become the target of racist abuse on several occasions

The team will then assess the content and carry out initial investigations to locate the authors.

The details of the suspect are then passed to the appropriate local force for further investigation.

The hate crimes investigation follows a night of widespread crime and mayhem following Sunday’s game.

On Tuesday, the NPCC said 897 football-related incidents and 264 arrests had been recorded across the country in the 24 hours surrounding the final.

This brings the total number of football-related incidents during the tournament to 2,344, with 630 arrests.

The NPCC said these numbers represent a significant increase over criminal incidents seen in previous tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2016.

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