An anti-racism protest is taking place in front of the Marcus Rashford mural in Withington, Manchester, this evening.
The artwork was defaced after England lost the Euro 2020 final against Italy on Sunday, and some thugs directed racist abuse towards black players Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho.
Stand Up To Racism said the protest is in response to the abuse the England star and his fellow teammates received after the match, the Manchester Evening News reports.
The group said: "In response to racist vandalism of the Marcus Rashford mural Stand Up To Racism has called a demonstration."
Protesters met at the mural on Copson Street in Withington centre at 6pm.
Stand Up To Racism want the protest to call out what they say is the government's role in encouraging racism in the UK.
In response to comments made by Gary Neville to Sky News, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor Sabby Dhalu said: "Gary Neville is spot on in calling out the government’s role in this despicable racism.
"Boris Johnson failed to condemn the booing of England footballers taking the knee and MPs such as Home Secretary Priti Patel, Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith who attacked England for taking the knee.
"This gave succour to far-right racists and fascists. Therefore the torrent of racist abuse since the final is not surprising. Racism starts from the top."
Yesterday, residents covered the Marcus Rashford mural in hearts after some people sprayed vulgar and racist graffiti on it.
One touching message left on the mural read: "I can take or leave football but I cannot take or leave people like you.
"Thank you for your passion, compassion and desire to change lives."
Another said: "Dear Marcus, please know that you are so admired and people find you an inspiration."
Yesterday, the Manchester United and England star shared a statement revealing that he was low on confidence after what he described as a "difficult" season for the Red Devils.
Taking to his hugely popular Twitter and Instagram accounts, Rashford penned a truly heartfelt message to fans who have followed him for club and country.
"I don't even know where to start and I don't know how to put into words how I'm feeling at this exact time," he wrote.
"I've had a difficult season, I think that's clear for everyone to see and I probably went into that final with a lack of confidence.
"I've always backed myself for a penalty but something didn't quite feel right.
"During the long run-up I was saving myself a bit of time and unfortunately the result was not what I wanted. I felt as though I had let my teammates down. I felt as though I had let everyone down..
"A penalty was all I'd been asked to contribute for the team. I can score penalties in my sleep so why not that one?
"It's been playing in my head over and over since I struck the ball and there's probably not a word to quite describe how this feels.
"Final. 55 years. 1 penalty. History. All I can say is sorry. I wish it had of gone differently. Whilst I continue to say sorry I want to shoutout my teammates.
"This summer has been one of the best camps I've ever experienced and you've all played a role in that. A brotherhood has been built that is unbreakable. Your success is my success. Your failures are mine.
"I've grown into a sport where I expect to read things written about myself. Whether it b the colour of my skin, where I grew up, or, most recently, how I decide to spend my time off the pitch.
"I can take critique of my performance all day long, my penalty was not good enough, it should have gone in but I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from.
"I've felt no prouder moment than wearing those three lions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me on in a crowd of 10s of thousands.
"I dreamt of days like this. The messages I've received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing their response in Withington had em on the verge of tears.
"The communities that always had me wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up.
"I'm Marcus Rashford, 23 year old, black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I have nothing else I have that.
"For all the kind messages, thank you. I'll be back stronger. We'll be back stronger."
One dad drove his young sons from Birmingham to Manchester to show their support for the England hero after the artwork was targeted by racists.
Tru Powell, 36, took his eight-year-old Israel and David, 10, to the site, Birmingham Live reports.
A handwritten letter from Israel was taped to the mural. It read: "Dear Rashford, Saka, Sancho. I am proud of you because you tried your best I know you didn't score but I am steel (sic) proud of you and Saka and Sancho.
"I hope you ignore people because your (sic) amazing and I am sad that black players got racist abuse online but I am proud of you."
Mr Powell, an entrepreneur, said: "I decided to go this morning. The reason was I woke up feeling quite exhausted.
"I didn't want to go on social media and yet again try to justify our existence.
"I knew the last few days would be triggering for myself and the boys and thought we should go and stand in solidarity."
Mr Powell, who has two other children, added: "We had a deep conversation on the way up. They reflected on the racism they have experienced.
"They wrote letters this morning to all the black players just to show how proud we are of them.
"They are still very much heroes. It was heart-warming to see so many people from all walks of life, all races and cultures at the mural.
"We were there for a few hours. We left the letters at the mural, spoke to people and had a little prayer together."
