OLDHAM West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has condemned the racist abuse three young England footballers faced after Sunday night's Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missed penalties in a deciding shootout which was won by the Italians.
Following the disappointment, the players were subjected to racist abuse on social media.
Mr McMahon said: “These lads have inspired our country over the last few weeks, they’ve shown the very best of our country and they’ve taken us to heights none of us imagined before the tournament began.
“To wake up this morning and see the torrents of abuse that Rashford, Sancho and Saka in particular have received is disgusting and yet sadly not at all surprising.”
The MP also added social media companies and the government can "stop the constant cycle of abuse" people face online. Ashton and Failsworth MP Angela Rayner has also hit out at Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel after they did not immediately criticise fans who boo players kneeling in protest against racism before the start of matches.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here