A man who allegedly posted a racist message on social media following England’s Euro 2020 final defeat has been charged.
Scott McCluskey of Blyth Close in Runcorn has been ordered to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court next month.
The 43-year-old has been charged with sending an offensive/abusive message by a public communication network.
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The charge relates to a message which was posted on Facebook on Monday, July 12 – the day after England lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
The Three Lions were pipped by the Italian side 3-2 in a penalty shootout.
England stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed with their attempts from the spot and were subjected to racist abuse online.
Mark Roberts, Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary and the NPCC Lead for football policing, said in July: “Hate crime in any form is simply not acceptable. The racial abuse aimed at our own players following Sunday night’s game was totally abhorrent and has quite rightly shocked and appalled people across the country.
“Those in the England team have been true role models throughout the tournament, conducting themselves with professionalism and dignity.
“I’m disgusted that there are a number of individuals out there who think it’s acceptable to direct such abuse at them, or at anybody else, and we are working very closely with social media platforms to trace those responsible for these utterly vile messages.
“I want to make it clear to anyone thinking of doing anything similar that you cannot simply hide behind a computer screen, using pseudo names to conceal your identity – rest assured that we will track you down and you will face the consequences of your reprehensible actions.”
Anyone who has been a victim of or witness to hate crime is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tv/true-vision-report-hate-crime/.
