Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford was one of several England players who were racially abused on social media after the Three Lions' defeat in the Euro 2020 final against Italy in penalties.
Now, the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK has laid the hammer down, throwing a 19-year-old in jail for his racial slurs towards Rashford on Twitter. Senior prosecutor Mark Johnson had this to say about the situation.
“Justin Lee Price targeted a footballer based on the colour of his skin and his action was clearly racist and a hate crime.
“Those who racially abuse footballers ruin the game for all. I hope this case sends out the message that we will not tolerate racism and offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Marcus Rashford missed a spot-kick for England along with Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who also received their fair share of racial hate as a result. It was truly a disgusting act from the Three Lions supporters after their team came so far on the grand stage.
Rashford has been the subject of racism many times before and amid his poor form with Man United, I'm sure he receives no shortage of hurtful messages on a weekly basis. But at this level, you've just got to learn how to ignore it and move on.
Nonetheless, it's good to see the UK punishing these ruthless fans. There is no place for racism in the world or in football, for that matter.