A call for racists to be banned from football matches after sickening abuse was directed at three England heroes has been signed by a million people.
The petition was launched after Euro 2020 stars Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted after the Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking defeat at Wembley.
Genuine supporters have rallied round the players in the aftermath of Sunday's match.
Those behind the racist messages directed at the trio should not be allowed into football grounds again, campaigners believe.
The petition, set up by Shaista Aziz and her friends under the name of the Three Hijabis, says: "We are calling for the Football Association and the government to work together now to ban all those who have carried out racist abuse, online or offline, from all football matches in England for life.
"Our England team stood up for all of us - now we must stand up for them."
It states: "As multi-racial football fans, we finally feel represented by this anti-racist and inclusive England team.
"We could not be more proud or inspired by our magnificent team and by their talent, bravery, leadership and love for all.
'"Gareth Southgate's England team plays for ALL of us. Their vision is an inclusive vision and this matters more than EVER – it's why we feel proud of this team and why they're so cherished and loved by many of us."
The three players missed penalties during a shootout at the end of a hotly-contested 1-1 draw against Italy - England's first major final in 55 years.
Two Italian players also had their penalties saved as the game went right to the wire.
In the aftermath Sancho, Saka and Rashford had vile messages directed at them on social media, while a mural to Manchester United star Rashford was vandalised.
Attacker Raheem Sterling, who was later named in UEFA's team of the tournament, was also singled out for hateful abuse.
A report by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) said yesterday: “Our preliminary analysis suggests the volume of abuse flagged around the EURO 2020 Final, aimed mainly at Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, was higher than the rest of the tournament combined.
“The PFA and Signify are currently analysing data from the 2020/2021 season. In August, we will publish findings alongside potential solutions and recommendations.”
England captain Harry Kane sent a powerful social media message to those who sent racist abuse to players, insisting "we don't want you".
England manager Gareth Southgate said: "It's just not what we stand for.
"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."
