Police investigating racist abuse against Black England players
The England players look on from the half way line during the penalty shoot out at the UEFA European Championship Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on Sunday. Photo: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
The English Football Association issued a statement early Monday condemning racist abuse directed at three Black players after England's European Championship final loss to Italy in London.
Driving the news: London's Metropolitan Police said late Sunday it's launching an investigation into "offensive and racist" online posts, which targeted 19-year-old Bukayo Saka, 23-year-old Marcus Rashford and 21-year-old Jadon Sancho.
- All three soccer players missed their penalty spot-kicks during Sunday's shootout, which Italy won 3-2 after the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
What they're saying: "The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media," the English soccer governing body's statement said.
- Anyone behind such "disgusting" behavior "is not welcome in following the team," the FA continued.
"We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible."
Of note: The FA issued a statement before the tournament asking fans to respect players taking the knee to protest racism after some supporters booed them.
- European governing body UEFA has opened an investigation after some England supporters booed Denmark's national anthem, shone a laser pointer on the Danish goalkeeper and let off fireworks inside London's Wembley Stadium during the semi-final.