MARCUS Rashford said tonight he’s “lost for words” as he thanked hundreds of protesters who took the knee at a Stand Up To Racism vigil after the England hero was targeted with vile abuse.
Demonstrators showed their support at a mural to the Three Lions ace after he and teammates endured sickening racist abuse following Sunday’s heartbreaking Euro 2020 defeat.
The mural to Rashford, which was painted in his childhood hometown of Withington, South Manchester, was daubed with obscenities less than an hour after the penalty shooutout defeat to Italy.
Swear words and the name ‘Saka’ were painted across the artwork. Cops are treating the vandalism as hate crime.
But locals have since worked together to cover the abuse with notes dedicated to the champ, who was last year honoured with an MBE for his work to feed hungry kids during the pandemic.
Rashford retweeted photos from this evening’s vigil with a heart emoji, and wrote: “Overwhelmed. Thankful. Lost for words.”
It comes as:
One photo he shared showed two young children holding a sign saying: “Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear football boots. We love you Rashford”.
The mural painted on the wall of Coffee House Café is now covered with tributes from the Manchester United forward’s fans.
Crowds took the knee at this evening’s demonstration in solidarity and held ‘Black Lives Matter’ placards.
Anti-racism campaigners held this evening’s rally after Rashford and England teammates Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted with racist abuse online.
One message of support on the mural read: “Our 3 cubs will turn into 3 roaring lions”.
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Paper love hearts declaring the Three Lions ace a “hero” and “role model” now cover the cruel messages.
Another message read: “I can take or leave football but I cannot take or leave people like you.
“Thank you for your passion, compassion and desire to change lives.”
Another said: “Dear Marcus, please know that you are so admired and people find you an inspiration.”
‘OVERWHELMING’
In a message last night, Rashford said he has been deeply moved by fans’ support.
He said: “I can take critique of my performance all day long, my penalty wasn’t good enough, it should have gone in.
“But I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from.
“I’ve felt no prouder moment than wearing these three lions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me in a crowd of tens of thousands.
“The messages I’ve received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears.”
The heroes made three unsuccessful England penalty bids during the nail-biting shootout.
Moments after the game ended, sick racists sent vile messages and monkey emojis over social media.
Prince William, Boris Johnson and Harry Kane are among those to blast the disgusting thugs behind the abuse, while millions of fans have been left deeply shocked.
Rashord shared a letter of support sent by nine-year-old fan Dexter Rosier after his penalty miss.
Thank you for your passion, compassion and desire to change lives.
The schoolboy’s letter said: “I hope you won’t be sad for too long because you are such a good person.
“Last year you inspired me to help people less fortunate. Then last night you inspired me again, to always be brave.
“I’m proud of you. You will always be a hero.”
Susanna Reid struggled with tears on Good Morning Britain as she read the youngster’s message aloud.
Breaking off as she struggled not to let her emotions bubble over, she added: “I hope Marcus feels everything that’s coming through from this letter and all the messages of support.”
The mural was painted in November to honour Rashford’s selfless work to feed poverty-stricken kids.
Police have confirmed they’re investigating. No arrests have yet been made.
Cops in London are also probing the racist abuse posted on social media.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
