Richard Madeley says racist internet trolls should be ‘locked away’

Virgin Radio

12 Jul 2021, 10:47

The presenter has spoken out after England players were sent racist abuse on social media following the Three Lions’ defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid today (Monday 12th July), the presenter discussed racist messages received by Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jadon Sancho, after the heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat at Wembley.

He said, “I do think, personally, we’ve had enough of this racism. It’s not enough just to decry it and call it disgusting, we have to track these people down, and it’s possible through IP addresses. We need to spend some money and some time and some officers, to get these guys, and to bring them to court, and to lock them away, because it is not representative of this country.”

He went on to say, “It is a disgusting distortion of what this country now is today. It didn’t used to be, but now we are a properly diverse, wonderful country to live in. These people that are sending these messages are breaking the law, they’re breaking a profound moral code and they need to be dragged by the scruff of the neck into the dock.

“It's not enough just to criticise them or call them names, we need to bring them to justice.”

Co-host Susanna Reid added, “It’s one of the reasons that the players take a knee before the game, and I think anyone who criticises the players taking a knee, needs to take a long, hard look at themselves.”

The Metropolitan Police said, “We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final. This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.”

Boris Johnson and Sadiq Khan have joined the chorus of condemnation. The Prime Minister tweeted, “Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves,” while the London Mayor said in a tweet, “Those responsible for the disgusting online abuse we have seen must be held accountable - and social media companies need to act immediately to remove and prevent this hate.”

Meanwhile, the FA has released a statement, saying, “We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.”

The football community has been quick to show their support for the Three Lions. 

Arsenal tweeted, “We couldn't be any prouder of Bukayo,” while Manchester United tweeted,  “One kick won’t define you as a player or person, Marcus. Remember that. We look forward to welcoming you home.”

Manchester United also posted a tweet saying, "Racist abuse will never be tolerated, for club nor for country. If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, act and report it."