April 9 – Three British clubs have decided independently to boycott social media platforms because of online racist abuse.
Scottish champions Rangers say their players and management will not post on social media platforms for a period of one week, joining English Championship clubs Swansea and Birmingham in protest.
“This is to underline the ongoing concerns over a lack of accountability and responsibility from social media outlets.,” Rangers said in a statement
UEFA are currently investigating the alleged racist abuse suffered by Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara against Slavia Prague in the Europa League on March 18 and Kamara says he has been sent abuse every day since.
Forward Kemar Roofe revealed he too has been targeted since being sent off against Slavia who knocked Rangers out of the competition.
“In particular, we are concerned with the daily racist abuse our players have to endure, and believe that although social media can be a very positive and healthy platform for communication, there is undoubted concern the levels of hate are now spiralling out of control,” Rangers added.
Managing director Stewart Robertson commented: “We can confirm that as a board and as a club, we are fully behind our players and management on this issue.
“Having spoken to a wide range of clubs across the United Kingdom, we know these concerns are shared by all clubs and it is fair to say everyone is losing patience with the lack of action from social media companies.
In a statement, Swansea said: “As a football club, we have seen several of our players subjected to abhorrent abuse in the past seven weeks alone, and we feel it is right to take a stand against behaviour that is a blight on our sport, and society at large.”
Birmingham announced on Thursday evening the club “stands in solidarity” with Swansea and will not publish any content across their men’s and women’s channels for a period of seven days.
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