MARCUS RASHFORD claimed he was subjected to ‘at least 70 racial slurs’ online including from a ‘maths teacher’ after defeat to Villarreal – with police investigating.
Rashford played every minute of the Europa League final, which went to penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The England international converted his spot-kick but it ended in heartbreak as keeper David de Gea missed the deciding kick.
It meant United went another season trophyless, their last being the Europa League in 2017.
Rashford, 23, tweeted that he was racially targeted after the loss, including by a school teacher.
He posted: “At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far.
“For those working to make me feel any worse than I already do, good luck trying.
“I’m more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile.
“He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence…”
A statement from Greater Manchester Police later read: “We are aware of a number of racially aggravated social media posts made yesterday evening towards numerous Manchester United players.
“We are working through the posts from yesterday, which originate from countries across the world as well as the UK, to investigate these crimes.
“Tackling hate crime remains a priority for GMP. We take these reports very seriously and are working with our partners to ensure those responsible are identified.
“Nobody should be subject to hateful language and abuse and it is deeply upsetting not only to those who receive these comments, but to anyone who witnesses it on a public forum.
“Those who make these posts subject themselves, not just to criminal proceedings but to long-term implications to their personal and professional lives by making these comments.
“We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim, or witness of hate crime to report it at the earliest opportunity via 101, LiveChat or online. Alternatively you can visit www.letsendhatecrime.com.”
Rashford was emotional after picking up his runners up medal, but vowed to turn around United’s fortunes next season.
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He told BT Sport: “The feeling inside is difficult to explain. We came here to win.
“We’ve been working so hard all season and this was the opportunity to win a trophy and it didn’t happen for whatever reason.
“We have to get rid of the disappointment and look back at the game and see what we did wrong.
“The team will not give up – no chance. The manager won’t allow us to give up. We will come next season with bigger desire.
“People say a lot about Man United going downhill, blah, blah, blah, blah but for me, the club, desire, hunger, talent, ability, the squad, we have everything to compete at the highest level.
“We just have to show it to the world and ourselves, show why we belong in the top places and why we need to win finals like this.
“Second doesn’t count for nothing. Manchester City win the league, we finished second. Doesn’t mean nothing.
“Villarreal won the Europa League, we finished second. For us it’s nothing. I don’t want to here ‘they were so close’ because it means nothing.
“One winner, one loser. Today we lost. We have to find out why and make sure next time we don’t lose.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
