Prince William Issues Statement Calling Out ‘Despicable’ Racist Comments Against Top British Soccer Players

Prince William has issued a statement calling out the racists comments being made about prominent British soccer players. Using the Twitter account shared with his wife Kate Middleton, William made a personal statement addressing the latest hate-filled comments made recently. He wrote out his statement in three long tweets.

“Racist abuse — whether on the pitch, in the stands, or on social media — is despicable and it must stop now,” the first tweet stated. “We all have a responsibility to create an environment where such abuse is not tolerated, and those who choose to spread hate and division are held accountable for their actions. That responsibility extends to the platforms where so much of this activity now takes place. I commend all those players, supporters, clubs and organizations who continue to call out and condemn this abuse in the strongest terms. W.”

Many of the more prominent British soccer players have been receiving abusive comments for weeks now. Players such as Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United and England player, as well as his teammates Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial, have also been targeted. West Bromwich Albion’s Romaine Sawyers and Chelsea’s Reece James, have also been harassed.

Greater Manchester Police have said that they were investigating the abuse the players suffered. “Nobody should be subject to such abuse and it is deeply upsetting not only to those who suffer it but to all those who come across this awful language too. These hateful words have no place in our society whether online or otherwise,” the police said in a statement.

Prince William is the President of the Football Association and has campaigned on combating racism. He has also used his position within the association to help foster better mental health within Britain and across the globe.