RACISM in response to Sunday’s football result has been condemned by council leaders.
Members of Warwick District Council, which reaffirmed its commitment to the Equalities Act last year, came together to make a collective statement on behalf of the authority.
The statement, issued by council chairman Neale Murphy, leader Andrew Day, Liberal Democrat leader Alan Boad and Coun Ian Davison, reads: “We wish to congratulate the England men’s football team for their success in reaching the final of the European Championships this year. Unfortunately, that is not the main reason for this statement. The racist response we have witnessed towards members of the England team has absolutely no place in our society.
“There is no place for discrimination of any kind and sadly the actions of the few have undermined what had been an exceptional tournament; bringing us all together in celebration as Britain moves towards the next milestone in fighting the pandemic. We collectively condemn unacceptable racist behaviour and look to the support from our communities in making the same commitment.
“This said, we look forward to more positive sporting events across the country in 2022 with the Women’s Euro Championships and of course the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will see the bowls, para bowls and road cycling hosted in this district. The Commonwealth Games Federation motto is Humanity, Equality, Destiny which is one we can all live by.”
Racist abuse has been hurled at players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who missed during the penalty shoot-out. A mural of Marcus Rashford, who spearheaded a free school meal campaign last year, was defaced.
