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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Football club hit fan with banning order over vile racist tweets towards England stars

Leyton Orient have banned a fan for three years after they were alerted to disgusting racist abuse in the aftermath of England's defeat by Italy.

The League Two club also handed back the culprit's season ticket in line with their "zero-tolerance approach to any racist abuse".

England stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka are heroes in the eyes of England supporters after helping the Three Lions reach their first major final in 55 years.

But they were targeted by vile racists on social media after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 shootout against Italy on Sunday night, with the FA, Arsenal and Manchester United condemning the perpetrators.

Saka suffered appalling racist abuse on social media after missing the decisive penalty in the shootout (PA)

Leyton Orient were made aware of one of their season ticket holder's tweets following the final and took swift action to ban them from the Breyer Group Stadium.

A statement published on the club's official website reads: "The club has today issued a three-year banning order to a supporter, following reports of racist abuse following last night's Euro 2020 final.

"The supporter in question’s actions on Twitter were alerted to the Club late last night, and action has been taken swiftly to issue a banning order.

"As the Club has repeatedly made clear, we take a zero-tolerance approach to any racist abuse or discrimination.

"Further to the banning order, the supporter will be fully refunded the purchase for their Season Card for the 2021/22 season.

"The club is extremely proud of its diverse history, and continues to work with local authorities and governing bodies to enact change."

Orient also alerted attention to their recent campaign with Waltham Forest Council, No Space For Hate.

What must be done to clamp down on racist abuse on social media? Comment below.

Meanwhile, Prince William said he is "sickened" by the racist abuse players have suffered, while prime minister Boris Johnson said: "This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.

"Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves."

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the acts of racism, which England boss Gareth Southgate described as "unforgivable".

"It's just not what we stand for," he said on Monday.

"We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together, in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody and so that togetherness has to continue.

"We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together.

"It's my decision who takes the penalties, it's not a case of players not volunteering or more experienced players backing out."

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