ARSENAL stars and club legend Ian Wright have rallied around youngster Bukayo Saka after his penalty agony.
The 19-year-old saw his crucial spot-kick saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma as Italy were crowned Euro 2020 champions.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho also missed their penalties before the trio were on the receiving end of disgusting racial abuse on social media.
Saka cut a devastated figure after the contest and was consoled by boss Gareth Southgate and his England team-mates.
His club team-mates have also taken to social media to support the wonderkid including captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon international posted an image of the duo alongside the caption: “Proud of you my lil Bro!!! This will Build your success you will see.”
Arsenal wrote on their official social handle: “Football can be so cruel. But for your personality. For your character. For your bravery…
“We’ll always be proud of you. And we can’t wait to have you back with us.”
Dani Ceballos, who returned to Real Madrid this summer after his loan expired, posted on Twitter: “I’m sure this moment will make you stronger for the future. you are my f****** crack.
“Football is cruel sometimes. will you get up friend.”
Ex team-mate David Luiz simply wrote: “We love you my boy.”
Emile Smith Rowe wrote ‘keep your head up brother, we all love you’ while Eddie Nketiah added ‘Still my GOAT. Love you bro.’
And former Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi said: “We still all love you, You still have a bright future bro.”
Club legend Ian Wright was also quick to share his support calling him ‘brave’ for stepping up to take a penalty.
He told ITV: “He’s more than capable of taking that penalty, I don’t think age plays a part in that.
“He’s brave enough to want to take it. You say should he be? Of course he should, he’s in the England team because he’s good enough to be here.
“I’m devastated for everyone, not just Bukayo. I’m delighted that he’s brave enough to go up and take one.”
Boss Gareth Southgate, who took responsibility for England’s penalty woes, strongly condemned the abuse the players received.
He said: “For some of them to be abused is unforgivable really.
“We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together, in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody and so that togetherness has to continue.
“We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together.”
An FA spokesperson added: “The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media.
“We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team.
“We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.
“We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
