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EURO 2020: Portsmouth fire three players over racist chat against Rashford, Saka, Sancho

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Portsmouth sack three academy players over racism



English club, Portsmouth FC, have announced the sacking of three academy football players over racist messages sent about Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho after England’s Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.

Recall that the trio who ply their trade for Manchester United and Arsenal missed their penalities at Wembley and were immediately subjected to online racial abuses.

The abuses were quickly condemned by millions of supporters including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Three Lions’ captain, Harry Kane, amongst many others.

However, UK Metro reported that Portsmouth – who play in League One, the third tier of English football – launched an investigation earlier this month into claims three of their academy players sent racist messages about the England trio in a group chat.

According to the report, an unnamed player reportedly wrote, “Rashford is getting lynched”, while another replied: “Exactly. N******. All black ones missed.”

The third person’s message read: “F*** the n****** absolute c****.”

As such, the club announced the dismissal, stating that it reached a verdict to release the players on July 28 after investigations were concluded, adding that the affected players have the right to appeal the club’s decision.

The statement read, “Portsmouth Football Club can confirm that the investigation – and subsequent disciplinary process – into discriminatory messages that originated from an academy U18 private group chat has now concluded.

“We can confirm that a decision has been made today (July 28) to release three players from the academy. These players do have the right to appeal the club’s decision.

“Portsmouth Football Club are fully committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination.

“We are part of a diverse community and are dedicated to promoting an environment of equality and inclusion at all times – both inside the football club and in our wider society.

“We also continue to respectfully appeal for everyone’s consideration in their use of social media posts directed towards any of the club’s employees and any other external parties.”

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