London (AFP)

The racist slurs spilled on social media against three black players of the England football team after their loss to Italy in the Euro final on Sunday at Wembley, which police opened an investigation, were condemned unanimously, from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to coach Gareth Southgate who called them "unforgivable".

"This England team deserves to be treated as heroes, and not (victim) of racist insults on social networks," Boris Johnson said on Twitter, saying the perpetrators of these attacks should "be ashamed".

At a press conference on Monday, Southgate deemed the slurs "unforgivable": "Some (of these attacks) are from overseas, we've been told, but some are from this country," added the coach of the "Three Lions", preferring to retain the "energy and positive spirit of the fans".

The English Football Association said it was "appalled" and "disgusted" by the racist comments made against Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.

UEFA has assured the players of its support and called for the "most severe" sanctions against the perpetrators of racist insults.

# photo1

The three players, who entered late in the game, missed their shot on goal, sealing England's defeat against Italy (1-1 ap, 3-2 tab) and thus shattering the dream of an entire country that was hoping to clinch a second major title, 55 years after his home success in the 1966 World Cup.

- Racist graffiti -

Prince William, president of the English Federation, also said he was "disgusted" and found "totally unacceptable that the players have to endure this heinous behavior."

London police said they were "investigating" the posts.

Culture and Sports Minister Oliver Dowden called on social media groups to tackle racism online more, warning that "if they don't, our new online safety bill will force them to fines of up to 10% of global revenues ".

A Facebook spokesperson assured that the platform had "quickly removed comments and accounts insulting English footballers", and promised to "continue to take action against those who break our rules".

In Withington (north of England), a mural painted in honor of Marcus Rashford was covered with racist graffiti, announced the police of Greater Manchester, specifying to take this offense "very seriously".

# photo2

Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke apologized after suggesting in a private message, reported by GB News, that Marcus Rashford should have spent more time "perfecting his game", rather than "playing the game. Politics".

The footballer had campaigned and convinced the Conservative government to provide free meals to vulnerable children during the pandemic.

- Johnson criticized -

Former players have lent their support to the three players, calling on the leaders to do more against racism.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said the example had to come "from above", criticizing Boris Johnson.

While the English players had decided to kneel down to denounce racism, "the Prime Minister said that we could boo those players who were trying to promote equality," he denounced on Sky News.

# photo3

For years English players have been the victim of online racism after defeat or disappointing performances.

In May, the FA called on the government to legislate without delay to force social networks to act against online insults that have already targeted Marcus Rashford.

To draw attention to this racism online, the FA, the clubs of the first two divisions and the Women's Super League, but also organizations representing players, referees and coaches, subsequently joined by other sports like rugby or cricket, had decided not to feed their accounts on social networks from Friday April 30 until Monday May 3.

© 2021 AFP