Chelsea full-back, Reece James is the latest victim of racism. With a fan burning the flame commenting something which could be categories as racial abuse, comments started to flow both in supports and against racial dignity. Chelsea has strongly condemned online racist abuse aimed at defender Reece James and called on social media platforms to take tougher action against users who engage in such unprecedented events.
England international James posted the screenshot of the abusive messages he received on Instagram and showed a sportsman spirit and healthy mindset, just captioned it “something needs to change”.
“Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening. This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it,” said Chelsea in an official Statement released on Chelsea website.
In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.
We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behavior. Something needs to change and it needs to change now.”
Not only Reece James of Chelsea, but also midfielder Romaine Sawyers of West Brom, and Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial for Manchester United were also the victims of online racial abuse this week. Reece James took Twitter to protest against this racial abuse the players are getting lately. He tags Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and calls for big actions to be taken against such an unacceptable act.
We all have a part to play in making this world a better & more equal place! Racism is completely unacceptable! Human is our only race! @instagram @Twitter @Facebook you must do more!! #notoracism
— Reece James (@reecejames_24) January 30, 2021
Even Marcus Rashford of Manchester United voiced his anger on social media and opted not to post the screenshot of racial abuse. He said that numerous kids from different countries follow him so he shouldn’t let them read such unacceptable words.
Chelsea recommended social media to create an environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are not tolerated. The post must very be checked and verified before being posted on the wall. Chelsea is now under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel who replaced Lampard and it is yet to see what his reaction is towards this incident.
