Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton has posted a gut-wrenching message on social media after Prince William was left “sickened”.
Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton has condemned the “vile” abuse England’s Euro 2020 stars have endured following the team’s heartbreaking loss to Italy on Monday morning.
Three England players, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, suffered online threats and racist abuse online after the trio missed penalties in the penalty shootout that decided the final against Italy.
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Just hours after Prince William slammed the disgusting racists, Hamilton posted on Instagram that the reaction from some social media users shows the country still has a long way to come.
“So much was running through my mind as [I] watched the final moments of the match last night,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.
“On one hand I was so proud of how far we have come …to be in the final and with such a diverse team is a huge achievement we should all be proud of but as the players stepped up to take the penalties I was worried.
“The pressure to deliver is felt by every sportsperson but when you are a minority representing your country this is a layered experience. Success would feel like a double victory, but a miss feels like a two-fold failure when its compounded with racist abuse.
“I so badly wanted that win like all of you but for me it was for much more than winning the [Euros], it was a much bigger picture. However, the disgusting behaviour by the few, shows how much work that still needs to be done. I hope that this opens a conversation around acceptance.
“We must work towards a society that doesn’t require Black players to prove their value or place in society only through victory. Ultimately everyone on the England team should be so proud of their achievement and how they represented us.”
He also added: “Please call out those you see posting hatred online. Challenge them to see the humanity in everyone regardless of their colour.
“Super proud of how far the England team were able to go. Super proud of Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and the entire team.”
England manager Gareth Southgate was among the first to condemn the “unforgivable” racist abuse aimed at the three England players who missed penalties.
“For some of them to be abused is unforgivable,” England boss Southgate said at a press conference on Monday.
“Some of it has come from abroad, we have been told this, but some of it is from this country.
“We have been a beacon of light to bring people together and the national team stands for everybody. We felt the energy and positivity from the fans and I’m incredibly proud of that.”
Meanwhile, The Duke of Cambridge, who serves as president of The FA, tweeted: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
“It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
“It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W.”
The prince was seen punching the air last night – before the evening ended with tears for England after a mighty fight against Italy.
After the loss, racist morons began attacking three of the team’s black players with monkey emojis and vile abuse.
Boris Johnson is among those to condemn the sick jibes.