Professional footballers are being encouraged to boycott social media for 24 hours in a stand against racism.
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling backed the ban - and said 'the time has come' for Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to 'consider regulating their channels'.
Smalling spoke out after a number of footballers have suffered racist abuse on social media or in stadiums.
United captain Ashley Young was abused online after the Reds Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona on Tuesday.
England players meanwhile were subjected to 'abhorrent racist chanting' during the Euro 2020 qualifying match in Montenegro last month, leading to Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, who was also allegedly racially abused during the Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge last December, taking a welcome public stand taken against racists within football.
Read more of today's top stories here
Tottenham Hotspur and England defender Danny Rose also said he couldn't wait to see the back of football as a result of the issue.
The Professional Footballers' Association's #Enough campaign will see players in England and Wales boycott social media for 24 hours from 9am on Friday.
The PFA said: "The boycott acts as a show of unity by the players, and a call for stronger action to be taken by social networks and footballing authorities in response to racist abuse both on and off the pitch.
"Players recognise that these racist incidents are a reflection of societal issues.
"They know first-hand how damaging racism can be and are using their platforms to inspire change that will benefit players, football and society as a whole. The boycott is the first step in a longer campaign to tackle racism in football."
Smalling said: "Throughout my career I have developed a thick skin against verbal abuse, justifying it as just 'part of the game', but the time has come for Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to consider regulating their channels, taking responsibility for protecting the mental health of users regardless of age, race, sex or income.
"I understand that I am in an extremely privileged position and I am deeply thankful for that but, at the end of the day, we are all human.
Read more of today's top stories here
"As a patron of a youth education charity it is my duty to use my platform as a voice for all, regardless of background.
"We have to take a greater stand against discrimination of all kinds."
Rose meanwhile said: "When I said that I can’t wait to see the back of football, it is because of the racism that I, and many other players, have been subjected to our entire careers. Football has a problem with racism.
"I don’t want any future players to go through what I’ve been through in my career. Collectively, we are simply not willing to stand-by while too little is done by football authorities and social media companies to protect players from this disgusting abuse."
Simone Pound, head of equalities at the PFA, said: "Football has the power to do so much good in the world. We must always try to use the sport’s popularity and influence to make positive change.
Manchester United condemn racist abuse of Ashley Young on social media platforms
Anti-racism campaigners call for Twitter action over abuse of Ashley Young after Barcelona defeat
"Over the last few months we have seen a rise in appalling instances of racist abuse at grounds around the world, and on social media. We cannot stand by while too little is done to address this unacceptable behaviour.
"The PFA has always been at the forefront of tackling racism and we are reaffirming our commitment to all of our members. We will do all we can to put an end to the abuse players face on the pitch and online."
