Marcus Rashford calls for racist abusers to have social media accounts immediately deleted
By Tom Gott
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has called on social media companies to immediately delete the accounts of anyone found to have used the platform for racist abuse.
A regular target of racism online, Rashford has been one of the most outspoken players when it comes to this issue, using his platform to repeatedly urge organisations like Facebook and Twitter to do more to defend their users.
Humanity and social media at its worst. Yes I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am. No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you’re just simply not going to get it here ??
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) January 30, 2021
Rashford has previously described the abuse as 'humanity and social media at its worst', and speaking to Sky Sports News, the United forward insisted anyone found to have abused another should be banned from the platform, no questions asked.
"Online abuse - it should be easy to stop, just deactivate the accounts," he said. "We know that it's very easy to make four or five accounts but if you have to block them all, then block them all.
"That's on the social media companies themselves. If they see anyone being abusive in any way, their account should be deleted immediately, that's how you'd deal with it.
"I feel like it doesn't affect me as much as other people because I'm not actively on social media so half the stuff that goes on there, what people are saying about me and other people, I'm not really on top of and I don't see it.
"But it's a place people should enjoy. Ten or 15 years ago it wasn't there and we're lucky to have it, to be able to connect with people all over the world and from different cultures and religions. For it to be used in a negative light is stupid and hopefully they can sort out that issue and it can be a place of good."
Rashford is one of many players to have targeted recently, with United team-mates Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe both victims as well.
There have been two major waves of abuse sent towards Tuanzebe in particular, and Rashford admitted he sat down with the 23-year-old to offer his support and wisdom.
"I spoke to Axel when it happened to him and the way that you deal with it and the way that you move on, that's how you have to show strength and that you're mentally capable to deal with those things even though you shouldn't have to," Rashford said.
"Axel is a tough lad. It's not nice to hear those things but he's bounced back. He's always happy and smiling and works hard."