July 13, (THEWILL) – As the fallout of the disappointingly racist and violent reactions to England’s Euro 2020 loss by a violent section of English fans continues to reverberate, one of those targeted, English forward Marcus Rashford, released a powerful statement on the subject.
THEWILL recalls that Rashford was subbed onto the pitch in the 120th minute of the final against Italy with the score tied 1-1. This meant he had not much time to contribute to the game and effectively only came on for penalty kicks.
However, when it was his turn, the Manchester United forward missed his attempt after sending the keeper the wrong way. His kick struck the left post and went wide to his utmost dismay. The Italian keeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, kept out Bukayo Saka’s penalty to give Italy victory.
Rashford’s statement included an honest apology for not finding the net as he wrote: “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? … All I can say is sorry. I wish it had gone differently.”
As THEWILL reported, all three players who missed kicks for England are coincidentally black. The trio of Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka have each been the target of racial abuse following the loss and the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and the England’s Football Association have had to condemn the abuse.
Even as a mural honouring Rashford in Withington, Manchester, was vandalized, the young player noted that there was a positive angle as well because he had received numerous positive messages as well as some hand-written letters from kids which he shared online with his statement.
Rashford finished with the words: “For all the kind messages, thank you. I’ll be back stronger. We’ll be back stronger,” he enthused though with the pain that they again fell short of winning a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
The “back stronger” motif points to the next global football extravaganza, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where England will be reckoned with as a favourite to go far and a contender for the trophy itself.
Rashford’s France international teammate at Manchester United’s Old Trafford grounds Paul Pogba posted a picture on Instagram featuring the trio of Rashford, Sancho and Saka and included the message: “I am PROUD OF YOU. You win some, you lose some.
“You took the courage to take penalties and you showed your worth to help your country reach the final.
“We cannot tolerate or stand for racism anymore and we will never stop combating it.
“You boys should hold your heads high and be proud of your confidence. You are examples of this beautiful game. Never forget that.
“Be proud of yourselves, the world of football is proud of you!”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
