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Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe were racially abused on social media after Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to Sheffield United on Wednesday night.
The United Martial forward played the full game at Old Trafford, while center-back Tuanzebe was substituted in the 83rd minute after starting his first Premier League game of the season.
Following the loss, the abuse targeted the players’ Instagram accounts. Several users posted racist comments and symbols on old photos. Tuanzebe was also targeted on Twitter.
Sky Sports News has reached out to Facebook and Twitter for comment.
On Thursday morning, Manchester United said they were “disgusted” by the abuse and hoped the “anonymous and mindless idiots” would be identified, while players like captain Harry Maguire and forward Marcus Rashford tweeted their support for Martial and Tuanzebe.
“Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by the players through social media after last night’s game,” read a statement from the club.
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FREE TO SEE: Highlights from Sheffield United’s victory over Manchester United in the Premier League
“We strongly condemn it and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media as well.
“Manchester United has zero tolerance for any form of racism or discrimination and has a longstanding commitment to campaigning against them through our All Red All Equal initiative.
“Identifying these anonymous nonsense idiots remains problematic. We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this type of behavior.”
The anti-racist group Kick It Out also condemned the abuse and will continue to work with social media companies and relevant authorities to hold those responsible to account.
Kick It Out President Sanjay Bhandari said: “We are disappointed that players continue to be subjected to racist abuse on their social platforms, it is completely unacceptable.”
“We will continue to work with soccer authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to try to eliminate hateful and discriminatory behavior in soccer.
“As we have said before, online hate must have consequences in real life, so people do not continue to spread hate as freely as they wish. Hopefully, the individuals responsible for this abuse will be identified by the network platforms. social and quickly removed.
“We know that discriminatory abuse can have a significant real-world impact on the well-being of victims. We encourage players to get that support from their club in the first instance, and support is also available from the PFA and Kick It. Out. “
Sheffield United had one of the upsets of the season when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team was defeated by Chris Wilder’s men.
United had a chance to get back on top of Manchester City in first place, but had a disappointing performance against the last Blades, who had only won once in the Premier League this season.
Kean Bryan headed in the first goal when he took advantage of a questionable goalkeeper from David de Gea, but former Sheffield United player Maguire scored his first goal at Old Trafford to level up.
A late siege of Sheffield United’s goal was expected, but Wilder’s decision to bring in Oliver Burke paid off as he knocked the winner through a big Tuanzebe deflection.
Sheffield United’s victory denied Manchester United a chance to regain top spot in the Premier League table.
Hate won’t stop us
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For more information visit: www.skysports.com/hatewontstopus
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This is the message from Sky Sports presenters and reporters, who have come together to support a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of online hate and abuse on social media.
If you see an answer to Sky sports posts and / or content with an expression of hatred based on race, color, gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality, age or class, please copy the URL of the hateful post or copy it and send us an email here.
Kick It Out denouncing racism
Online complaint form | Kick it
Kick It Out is the soccer equality and inclusion organization, working across all sectors of soccer, education and the community to challenge discrimination, foster inclusive practices and campaign for positive change.
www.kickitout.org
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