England defender hits out at Home Secretary Priti Patel after racist abuse directed towards players

England's Defender, Tyrone Mings has hit out at Home Secretary Priti Patel after three England players suffered racial abuse following the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy. 

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all subjected to abusive posts in the wake of their missed penalties in the shootout defeat to Italy at Wembley on Sunday night.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has denounced the abuse in strong terms, saying it has "no place in our country and I back the police to hold those responsible accountable".

But England defender Tyrone Mings pointed out that Patel has criticized the players in the past for their decision to take a knee before matches which they believe is an important signal of their determination to fight against racism.

"You don't get to stoke the fire at the beginning of the tournament by labelling our anti-racism message as 'Gesture Politics' and then pretend to be disgusted when the very thing we are campaigning against, happens."

"I'm still struggling to find the words to express my emotions from the past month.

"I'm so proud of everyone who has contributed to the joy and togetherness this team has brought to millions. 

“We have celebrated, smiled, cried and cheered together and for that, I'm so so proud.

"But waking up today and seeing my brothers being racially abused for being brave enough to put themselves in a position to help this country, is something that sickens, but doesn't surprise me.

"We have literally made history. We have gone where no one else has gone. Take that in." Mings wrote when responding to Patel's comments, 

Captain Harry Kane says the people who sent the abuse to England players after the match are not true fans and that their support is not wanted.

The abuse has been condemned by figures throughout the sport, from the Government and opposition parties, and by the Duke of Cambridge.

"Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up and take a pen when the stakes were high.

"They deserve support and backing, not the vile racist abuse they've had since last night.

"If you abuse anyone on social media you're not an England fan and we don't want you." Kane wrote on Twitter: 

Other England players have joined Kane in using their social media accounts to condemn the abuse which has cast a pall over England's achievement in reaching a first major final for 55 years.

Midfielder Jude Bellingham said:

“The abuse was hurtful but not surprising".

"We will never get bored of saying that more needs to be done. Educate and control the platforms"
England manager Gareth Southgate said the discrimination directed at the three players following the defeat at Wembley demonstrates the antithesis of what the national team's values are and the "togetherness" that the squad has shown.

When asked about the abuse, the Three Lions manager said: 

"For some of them to be abused is unforgivable.

"I know some of that has come from abroad, people who track these things are able to explain that, but not all of it.

"It's just not what we stand for. We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together and being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody and so that togetherness has to continue.

"We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together."