PFA launches boycott in protest at racism on social media

Leading Premier League stars have backed a 24-hour social media boycott in protest at an escalation of incidents of racial abuse online. The campaign launched by the Professional Footballers’ Association will urge players to stay off social media from 0900 on Friday morning after posting the hashtag #Enough. The PFA say it is intended as a show of solidarity with players who have been targeted, as well as a demand to social media organisations and the game’s authorities that more needs to be done. #Enough 👊🏽👊🏼👊🏿 Making a stand against racist abuse! A player led 24hr boycott on social media. Read more: https://t.co/XxVkrefZ1H pic.twitter.com/I787Ar6rKg — PFA | Professional Footballers’ Association (@PFA) April 18, 2019 Simone Pound, Head of Equalities at the PFA, said: “Football has the power to do so much good in the world. We must always try to use the sport’s popularity and influence to make positive change. “Over the last few months we have seen a rise in appalling instances of racist abuse at grounds around the world, and on social media. We cannot stand by while too little is done to address this unacceptable behaviour. “The PFA has always been at the forefront of tackling racism and we are reaffirming our commitment to all of our members. We will do all we can to put an end to the abuse players face on the pitch and online.” Chris Smalling was racially abused after Manchester United’s defeat in Barcelona (Ian Hodgson/PA) Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has given his strong backing to the campaign after he was abused on Twitter after his side’s Champions League defeat in Barcelona this week. Smalling joins a lengthening list of players, also including  Mohamed Salah, Danny Welbeck, Raheem Sterling, Michy Batshuayi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Moussa Sissoko, who have received abuse over the same platform in recent years. 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.” Concern is mounting over racism in football after a spate of attacks on players both on social media and in and around stadiums. Danny Rose says he “can’t wait” to quit the game after racist abuse (Nick Potts/PA) England’s black players were subjected to repeated chants during their Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro last month, while Tottenham defender Danny Rose revealed recently he has “had enough” and “can’t wait” to quit the game. Rose said: “When I said that I can’t wait to see the back of football, it is because of the racism that I, and many other players, have been subjected to our entire careers. “Football has a problem with racism. “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.” Topics Chris Smalling, Danny Rose, PFA Outstanding Smalling one of England’s best – Higginbotham PFA chief calls for action after ‘cowardly’ attack on Grealish I was lucky, says Grealish as calls for action grow after ‘disgraceful’ attack Rose backs Ramsey to be success with QPR The hivemind: The most popular trends in the FPL transfer market Brown disciplinary hearing moved forward Gracia challenges Watford to prove they can deal with Deeney loss Everton boss Marco Silva urges Andre Gomes to learn from his mistakes Newcastle will not overspend to remain in the Premier League, insists Charnley Frenkie de Jong: I’d have no worries trying to beat Barcelona in Champions League Arsenal turn attention to €35m Ivory Coast centre-back Quiz! Can you name the 36 English players with 3+ Champions League goals? Mohamed Salah agent quashes rumours player ‘asked to leave’ Liverpool Quiz! Can you name all 59 players to score in a Champions League final since 1992?
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