Over 1 million people sign petition to ban racists from football matches for life

Over a million people have signed a petition to ban racists from football matches in England for life.

The petition, started by three fans, calls on the Football Association, as well as prime minister Boris Johnson and UK Culture secretary Oliver Dowden, to ban people who have expressed racism online and offline from attending matches.

The petition has already gotten a million signatories in just 24 hours, and it comes after the recent racist abuse suffered by Black English players after England lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

It reads: “After last night’s match, vile racist abuse was directed at our heroic players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho.

“As multi-racial football fans, we finally feel represented by this anti-racist and inclusive England team. We could not be more proud or inspired by our magnificent team and by their talent, bravery, leadership and love for all.

“There should be no room for racists and bigotry in football or society.

“We are calling for the Football Association and the government to work together now to ban all those who have carried out racist abuse, online or offline, from all football matches in England for life.”

Commenting on the petition, one signatory said they were “sick of a minority of English people dragging the name of the country though the dirt with their disgusting actions”.

Another wrote: “Racist are not fans they are racists. Make it safe for our young players and make the game safe for families again.”