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13th Jul 2021

Little Mix condemn racist abuse in powerful statement

Sarah McKenna Barry

In a post on social media, the band spoke out against the abuse some of England’s footballers have received since Sunday.

Little Mix have issued a statement condemning the racist abuse of England’s football players following the Euro’s final on Sunday evening.

The girl-band shared a black and white photo of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Sako on Twitter.

The tweet was signed off by Leigh-Anne Pinncok.

It read: “You can live here but be quiet.

“You can work here but not all of you.

“You can speak at the table but not too loud.

“You can play for us but you can’t lose.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Black British Experience. We stand with you Kings.”

On Instagram, the band shared the picture and wrote: “If you do not stand up against racism, you are also part of the problem. What these young men have had to deal with is beyond disgraceful. We stand with you Kings.”

In the aftermath of England’s defeat, the social media pages of the squad’s Black members were hit with racist abuse. A mural of footballer Marcus Rashford was defaced in Manchester, though locals were quick to cover it up.

Rashford spoke out against the abuse in a powerful statement online and said he will “never apologise” for who he is, or where he comes from.

He wrote: “I’m Marcus Rashford, 23-year-old black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I have nothing else I have that. For all the kind messages thank you. I’ll be back stronger. We’ll be back stronger.”

Yesterday, Prince William said in a rare statement that he was “sickened” by the racist abuse across social media following England’s defeat.

Taking to Twitter, he said: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.

“It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.

“It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W.”