Four people arrested over racist abuse of England players

Four people were arrested over racial abuse online toward members of England’s national soccer team after losing the European Football Championship to Italy.

Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho, who are Black, each missed penalty kicks during the shootout, handing Italy their first EURO title since 1968.

“We are working very closely with social media platforms, who are providing data we need to progress enquiries,” Chief Constable Mark Roberts said, according to the BBC. “If we identify that you are behind this crime, we will track you down and you will face the serious consequences of your shameful actions.”

Roberts said that authorities will continue to search social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for those who have posted racist content. 

The U.K. Football Policing Unit also says that an investigation for hate crimes in already underway. 

“Our England team have been true role models during the tournament, conducting themselves with professionalism and dignity,” Roberts said. “I’m disgusted there are individuals out there who think it’s acceptable to direct such abhorrent abuse at them, or at anybody else.”