July 16, 2021
2 mins read

UK govt sets out action to stop online racist abuse in football

For the first time, the Government will amend legislation to extend the use of Football Banning Orders so online abusers can be banned from stadiums for up to 10 years…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out action to tackle online racist abuse in football following the abhorrent social media attacks on black England players after the Euro 2020 final.

For the first time, the Government will amend legislation to extend the use of Football Banning Orders so online abusers can be banned from stadiums for up to 10 years, in the same way violent thugs are barred from grounds, Downing Street has announced.

The government, Premier League and football authorities will work together to help tackle all aspects of online abuse footballers are experiencing, ahead of the Online Safety Bill coming into force, it said.

“I was appalled by the abhorrent abuse directed towards a number of our footballers in the aftermath of Sunday’s game. More must be done to prevent people being bullied and trolled online,” Johnson said.

“We are introducing legislation that will force social media companies to take responsibility and action where this vile behaviour exists on their platforms or face substantial financial penalties if they fail in their duty to do so,” he said.

He also said that the government is working closely with the football and police authorities to “ensure we can track and take action against online abusers and will ban them from football grounds in the same way we would if they had committed these offences on our streets.”

Prime Minister recently met with executives from a number of social media companies in Downing Street to urge them to do more to get on top of online abuse.

“Enough is enough, it’s time to clean up social media,” Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said. “I’ve heard repeatedly from footballers about the devastating impact of racist abuse flooding their social media all hours of the day. It is clear it has a profound impact on them and their young fans.”

He said the tech firms know what is coming down the track with the tough new Online Safety laws but must use their ingenuity and considerable resources to stop this racist online abuse now, he added.

ALSO READ: PM pledges more powers for local leaders

Previous Story

PM pledges more powers for local leaders

Next Story

HK, Taiwan added to England’s green travel list

Latest from -Top News

WHO adopts Global Pandemic Agreement

The agreement seeks to boost international coordination and ensure equitable access to life-saving tools during future pandemics, while reaffirming respect for national sovereignty in public health decisions In a move aimed at

UK-East Africa trade forum to kickstart investment

UK hosts first-ever forum dedicated to trade and investment with East Africa, including announcements on cross-border trade and electric motorbikes The UK has announced two investments in East Africa to de-risk cross-border

First detection of West Nile virus in UK

West Nile Virus is a vector borne disease belonging to the Flaviviridae family, which also includes the viruses that cause dengue and yellow fever A research programme by the UK Health Security
Go toTop

Don't Miss

SPECIAL : UK Nationality Bill

The government in its defence asserts that the bill looks

Chinese delegation blocked from attending Queen’s lying-in state

This key development comes at a time when the UK