Bukayo Saka is a ‘Strong Character’ who will withstand the racist abuse – says Arsenal’s manager

Arsenal manager Arteta says he has spoken to the Bukayo Saka who, along with England team-mates Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, was targeted on social media following their missed penalties in Sunday's shootout loss to Italy at Wembley.

According to the Gunners coach, Saka is a "strong character" who will withstand the racist abuse he suffered after England’s Euro 2020 final defeat, 

The racist abuse has received widespread condemnation from England boss Gareth Southgate, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Football Association, while a Metropolitan Police investigation is ongoing.

When Arsenal’s coach was asked by Sky Sports whether he had personally been in contact with 19-year-old youngster, Mikel Arteta said: 

"Yes, I have. We all have, I think, spoken to him, sent messages.

"He will be fine. He is such a strong character. He has received a lot of love and support from world football, not only with Arsenal but the national team and all the English fans because he doesn't deserve anything like what he has been through."

Saka, who made his England debut as recently as October 2020, was a regular for Arsenal under Arteta last season and went on to feature in four games under Southgate at the European Championship.

"He has had a phenomenal season, who was speaking after the club lost 2-1 to Hibernian in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.

"In football, you want to be part of the greatest, you have to know today, at 19, that you lose more than you win unfortunately in this game and there are no exceptions to that rule," added Arteta, 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with social media companies at Downing Street earlier on Tuesday to discuss how to better tackle online abuse.

Arteta insists now is the time to ensure meaningful progress occurs in stopping further hate and punishing perpetrators.