Fans adorn a vandalised Marcus Rashford mural with messages of love

Virgin Radio

13 Jul 2021, 10:50

The racist abuse that Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka have received in the wake of England’s Euro 2020 final defeat is absolutely sickening, so thank goodness that some acts of kindness over the past couple of days have helped restore everyone's faith in humanity.

Within an hour of the Three Lions’ devastating defeat to Italy, abusive lettering was daubed on a mural of Marcus Rashford in Withington, south Manchester, where the footballer grew up. By the next morning, however, the obscenities were covered with bin bags, and now the local community has gone a step further to beautify the vandalised portrait.

Lovehearts, St George crosses, and messages of support have been stuck to the mural in increasing numbers, as fans and well-wishers continue to show their support for the footballer, campaigner, and all-round excellent human-being.

Writing on Twitter, Rashford said, “The messages I had received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears.

“The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up. I’m Marcus Rashford, 23-year-old, black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, south Manchester. If I have nothing else I have that.”

As well as receiving messages of love and support on his mural, the footballer has also been the recipient of letters from adoring children. Rashford shared some of these notes on his social media page.

Thousands of people have replied to Rashford's tweets to offer their own support. Manchester City tweeted the star of their crosstown rivals, saying, “All of Manchester and all of England is proud of you, Marcus.” 

Labour MP Zarah Sultana said, “Got nothing but respect, admiration and love for everything you do and stand up for. YNWA.”

Comedian Guz Khan added, “If my sons grow up to be anything like you. I’ll be the proudest dad alive bro.”

Police have said they are investigating the abusive graffiti on the mural.