'Don't want you': England captain's message after Euro fan 'disgrace'
England captain Harry Kane has denounced racist abuse directed at his players by supposed fans of the national side after their heartbreaking Euro 2020 loss to Italy.
The two teams couldn't be separated after extra time couldn't change the 1-1 scoreline, with the thrilling final headed to penalties.
YIKES: Crazy scenes in Melbourne after Italy's victory in final
'SHOULD BE FIRED': England fans fume over Euro final 'disgrace'
Despite a thrilling run through the tournament it was simply not to be for England, who went down on penalties 3-2.
Marcus Rashford and 21-year-old Jadon Sancho - brought on late in extra time seemingly as specialist penalty-takers - both failed to convert before Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy's imposing goalkeeper, dived to his left and saved the decisive spot kick by 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka.
To compound the pain of defeat, the trio of youngsters who missed their spot-kicks were then subjected to vile racist abuse from England fans on social media afterwards.
The response has drawn widespread criticism, with many, including the likes of Prince William, profoundly disappointed in the conduct of so-called fans.
Many high-profile figured have denounced the abuse, but none moreso than Kane, who suggested those abusing Rashford, Sancho and Saka would be better off finding a different team to support.
"They deserve support and backing, not the vile racist abuse they've had since last night," Kane said.
"Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up and take a pen when the stakes were high.
"If you abuse anyone on social media you're not an England fan and we don't want you."
Fellow England star, defender Tyrone Mings, said he was 'sickened' by the abusive response to his teammates.
"Waking up today and seeing my brothers being racially abused for being brave enough to put themselves in a position to help this country, is something that sickens, but doesn't surprise me," he said.
Royals, British PM denounce racist abuse of players after Euro 2020 loss
Prince William - the president of England's FA who was at Wembley with his wife Kate and son George - has led the outcry against the racist abuse of players, labelling it "totally unacceptable".
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also weighed in on the disgusting controversy, insisting England's players should be hailed as heroes, not racially vilified.
“This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media,” UK PM Boris Johnson said
“Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”
England manager Gareth Southgate labelled the reality of players being abused by their own fans as "unforgivable".
"Some of it has come from abroad, we have been told this, but some of it is from this country," he told reporters.
"We have been a beacon of light to bring people together and the national team stands for everybody."
England players Rashford, Sancho and Saka were victims of a stream of abuse on Instagram and Twitter - many apparently from foreign trolls and bots.
While some people identifying as England fans used racial slurs in blaming the trio for the defeat, other offensive messages were accompanied with "forza italia" hashtags.
Johnson said the team had "made history" and "brought joy to this country".
"To those who have been directing racist abuse at some of the players, I say shame on you and I hope you will crawl back under the rock from which you emerged," he told a news conference.
England's players have made a strong stand against racism at the tournament, taking a knee before their games including the final.
With agencies
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