Gwen Berry offers support to England players receiving racist abuse after Euro 2020 defeat

‘This hate is the reason why athletes cannot ‘just be athletes’’

US Olympian Gwen Berry has offered her support for three England football players who received a torrent of racist abuse following the team’s loss of the 2020 Euros final.

“Heartbreaking situation! Why am I not surprised! This hate is the reason why athletes cannot ‘just be athletes,’ the American hammer thrower said in a post on Twitter.

She added: “We must stand against these social issues until they no longer affect our lives! Sending my love to Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka and their families.”

“They only love us when it benefits them,” the athlete said in another post referencing treatment of the players.

The three players missed penalty kicks for England on Sunday in the tense final against Italy and were subject to a host of racist abuse online following the match.

The English Football Association released a statement condemning the treatment of the players on Monday, saying it was “appalled” by the abuse. “We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible,” it said.

Ms Berry has often used her own platform as an athlete to speak out about systemic racism and inequality in the US, making headlines last month after she turned away from the US flag while on the podium during the national anthem.

During the anthem, the olympian turned away from the flag and held up a t-shirt that said “activist athlete”. She said after the appearance that the moment had been a “set-up”, calling it disrespectful.

Across the Atlantic, fans in the UK rushed to offer support to the young England players following the abuse online, alongside officials in the country including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince William.

“I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match,” the royal posted on Twitter. “It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.”

Mr Rashford said in a lengthy Twitter post on Monday that he was “sorry” for missing the penalty but noted that he will “never apologise for who I am and where I came from”.

“The messages I’ve received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears,” Mr Rashford said, referencing messages of support posted over a mural in his hometown that was defaced following the game.

He added: “The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up.”