Jadon Sancho has insisted “hate will never win” after being racially abused on social media in the wake of England’s heart-breaking Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy.
Sancho and team-mates Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka were targeted online after missing from the spot in the penalty shootout which ultimately finished their side’s hopes of ending a 55-year wait for a trophy at Wembley on Sunday night.
The 21-year-old winger, who apologised for his role in a disappointing conclusion to a dramatic contest, admitted he was not surprised by what followed, but is adamant those responsible cannot be allowed to get away with it.
In a post on his official Instagram account, Sancho said: “I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t see the racial abuse that me and my brothers Marcus and Bukayo received after the game, but sadly it’s nothing new. As a society we need to do better, and hold these people accountable.
“Hate will never win. To all the young people who have received similar abuse, hold your heads up high and keep chasing the dream.”
England, who had seen Luke Shaw’s early goal cancelled out by Leonardo Bonucci during normal time, eventually lost 3-2 on penalties despite keeper Jordan Pickford’s heroics in saving two Italian spot-kicks.
Opposite number Gianluigi Donnarumma matched Pickford’s feat to deny Sancho and Saka after Rashford had hit the post.