Police are preparing to investigate the disturbing online racist abuse directed at England football stars Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham during the Euro 2024 tournament. The Football Association (FA) has referred the case to authorities after a UEFA report highlighted the offensive messages received by both players, according to Mail Sport.
The UEFA report revealed that Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham were among the top targets of online abuse during the tournament in Germany. Saka faced 50 instances of what UEFA classifies as "tier one" comments—the most harmful and prosecutable under the law—while Bellingham received 40.
The UK’s Online Safety Act enables police to intervene in such cases, and authorities are now aware of the deeply offensive messages aimed at both players. To support these investigations, the FA has allocated £25,000 to fund prosecutions related to the online abuse of its players.
Racist abuse has long been an issue in football, and Saka, in particular, was previously subjected to severe racial slurs following England’s defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. This continuing trend has prompted swift action from both football bodies and law enforcement. Mark Roberts, who leads football policing for the National Police Chiefs' Council, stated, “We treat it seriously... we explained the reporting methods, and if things come in from other routes, we will investigate.”
In the words of Nelson Mandela, "Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does." Despite these challenges, the hope remains that through stronger laws and a commitment to justice, the toxic culture of online abuse can be eradicated, allowing players to shine without the burden of hate.
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