Tottenham forward Harry Kane leapt to the defence of his England teammates following the racist abuse suffered by the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford after England’s defeat in the Euro 2020 final.
The three players were all subjected to horrendous racist abuse having seen their penalties saved in the shootout defeat to Italy at Wembley on Sunday evening.
It was an abhorrent end to what had been a spectacular tournament for the Three Lions with the abuse directed at the three young England forwards, and scenes outside of the national stadium both before and after the match particularly haunting.
England captain and Spurs forward Kane broke his silence on the abuse by taking to social media on Monday.
He said: “Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up & take a pen when the stakes were high.
“They deserve support & backing not the vile racist abuse they’ve had since last night. If you abuse anyone on social media you’re not an England fan and we don’t want you.”
Kane is only the latest in a long line of prominent figures both within and outside of the game to lend their support to Saka, Sancho and Rashford following the shocking abuse that they received.
Even Prince William intervened in a rare statement posted on Twitter.
It read: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
“It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
“It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W”
