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      Wembley thugs ‘groped England fan and ripped her jeans’ in terrifying sex attack amid Euro 2020 final mayhem

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      AN ENGLAND fan has reported she was sexually assaulted by thugs in a crush before the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.The student in her 20s said she was groped by men and had her jeans ripped as yobs ran riot before the match with Italy.
      Stewards replace barricades after they were knocked over outside Wembley at the Euro finalCredit: AP
      Fans broke down barriers at Wembley ahead of Sunday’s game
      The fan, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, said a worker at the gate said the alleged assault was her fault because of how she was dressed.
      She said she was pickpocketed during Sunday’s chaos, which saw England supporters brawl and storm the stadium.
      The woman told The Mirror: “I was at the gate squished between men who were trying to push through.
      “My bum was grabbed, my jeans ripped and my boobs were touched.
      SEX ASSAULT PROBE
      “A person at the gate said it was my fault for being dressed the way I was.”
      She reported the sexual assault to a female member of staff who got a police officer to help her.
      Police have launched an investigation, with no arrests made so far,
      A Met Police spokesman said: “On the evening of Sunday, 11 July, officers on duty at Wembley Stadium were approached by a woman in her 20s alleging she had been sexually assaulted and had items stolen from her handbag as she attempted to enter the stadium.
      “The woman declined to provide a statement at the time and agreed that officers would make an appointment to progress the matter at a later date.
      A person at the gate said it was my fault for being dressed the way I wasEngland fan who has reported she was sexually assaulted
      “The incident remains under investigation and officers have made efforts to speak to the woman with a view to progressing the allegation.
      “Work has already begun to analyse any CCTV opportunities.”
      Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy with a valid final ticket was kicked out of Wembley after a thug shoved in behind him.
      Jonathan Kobrin missed the entire match after being ejected from the stadium despite having a valid ticket, The Times reports.
      The England fan’s parents had treated him with a surprise ticket for the crunch match against Italy.
      WEMBLEY WARZONE
      Wembley descended into a warzone as hundreds of ticketless yobs ran amok.
      Harry Maguire’s dad was left with suspected broken ribs by ticketless yobs who broke into the stadium.
      UEFA have charged the FA over FOUR separate incidents which took place during Sunday’s final.
      Disciplinary proceedings have been opened over a pitch invasion, throwing of objects by fans, booing the Italian national anthem and the stadium break-in.
      Drunken hooligans broke through barriers and brawled as stewards battled to keep control.
      One steward told The Mirror a ticketless England fan threatened him with a knife and said: ‘You ARE going to let me in.”
      The FA has launched an investigation into the “unprecedented” crowd trouble at the country’s biggest match for 55 years.

      British F1 ace Lando Norris, 21, had his £40,000 watch nicked amid sickening scenes.
      Nineteen Met Police officers were injured during violent clashes in London, with 86 arrests, 53 of them at Wembley.
      And there are fears Britain’s joint 2030 World Cup bid with Ireland could have been torpedoed by Sunday night’s sickening violence.
      A young fan is punched during the shocking scenes
      A clip posted to Twitter appears to show violence erupt at the door into the stands
      Nineteen police officers were injured amid sickening scenes in LondonCredit: James Curley
      Shocking moment man punches young boy and fan is kicked on the ground in chaotic scenes at Wembley stadium More

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      Jadon Sancho set to be given Freedom of Southwark Borough just days after Bukayo Saka recommended for same honour

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      ENGLAND star Jadon Sancho is set to be given the freedom of his London borough – just days after teammate Bukayo Saka was recommended for the same honour.The winger, 21, received vile racist abuse after seeing his penalty saved in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy – as did Saka.
      Jadon Sancho is set to receive the Freedom of Southwark BoroughCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho missed a penalty in the shootout against Italy and was racially abusedCredit: Getty
      After helping the Three Lions to a first major final in 55 years, Southwark Council will award him freedom of the borough, if formally agreed, for “his exceptional contribution to sport”.
      Sancho has also previously spoken out and acted upon horrific racism – something which “exemplifies the values that Southwark Council holds in highest regard”.
      Mayor of Southwark Barrie Hargrove announced his intention to award the footballer with the highest civic award the Council can give during a meeting on Wednesday night.
      He said: “Watching Jadon play in the Euro tournament was incredible.
      “I felt, like many residents, that he is a diamond in Southwark’s crown and we could not be more proud of him and what he achieved for this country – the team brought everyone together and gave us hope and joy when we needed it most.
      “This is why I am recommending that he be considered for Freedom of the Borough, the highest accolade we can give.”
      Sancho was born in Camberwell, south London in March 2000 and helped Southwark under 11s win the football tournament at the 2011 London Youth Games.
      He joined Watford at the age of seven before developing at Manchester City’s prestigious academy.
      In 2017, Sancho bravely moved to Borussia Dortmund in Germany’s Bundesliga where he became one of Europe’s hottest prospects – and is now set to seal the deal on a move to Manchester United this summer.
      Southwark Council leader Kieron Williams said: “Jadon is one of the best sportspeople this country has and that he is home-grown talent from this borough should be celebrated.
      “He is an incredible role model to our young people and we want him to know that he did us proud.
      “Like many others, I was deeply saddened and angry to see the racism players suffered after the final match – outrage that was echoed by Southwark’s residents. However it was fantastic to see the outpouring of affection and solidarity with our players.
      Bukayo Saka was recommended for the Freedom of EalingCredit: Getty
      A billboard at London Waterloo station in honour of England’s three players who were racially abusedCredit: Alamy
      “There is no place for racism – Southwark is a place which nurtures everyone, and that is why we have such exceptional talent playing for our country.
      “Jadon exemplifies our Southwark Stands Together values and deserves the highest honour we can give.”
      It comes after Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was nominated for the Freedom of Ealing to show the council’s pride at his phenomenal Euro 2020 performance.
      Tearful Saka, aged just 19 and born in Ealing in September 2001, had to be consoled by manager Gareth Southgate after missing the decisive penalty to crown the Azzurri champions.
      Ealing Council leader Peter Mason, who personally nominated Saka to become the youngest person to ever receive Freedom of the Borough, believes the star can hold his head high.
      He said: “Just a few short years ago, Bukayo Saka was playing football on the Brentside Playing Fields and on the pitches at Greenford High.
      “Everyone in Ealing shares an incredible sense of pride that one of our own represented England at Wembley on Sunday.
      “His is a remarkable story of talent and achievement that everyone can take hope, inspiration and encouragement from.

      “Neither he nor any of the England squad should be subjected to the intolerant, racist abuse as they have been in the last 48 hours. We don’t boo our heroes. We honour them.
      “I’m delighted therefore to nominate him to be the youngest ever recipient of the Freedom of the Borough. I hope this will send a clear message that Saka is Ealing’s own, that we are proud of him, and that is one of our heroes.
      “The entire England team has been an inspiration, both on and off the pitch, and shown our country how to pull together, not apart, even under the most unimaginable pressure. Saka and his teammates have embodied Ealing’s motto: ‘Progress with Unity’.
      “We thank all the squad and the team around them, and look forward to seeing them in action in the run-up to the World Cup next year.”
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      Usain Bolt leaps to Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho’s defences after ‘horrible’ racist abuse

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      USAIN BOLT thinks the racist abuse suffered by England’s Euro players is ‘horrible’.The sprint legend spoke out after Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted with vile messages.
      Usain Bolt has leaped to the defence of England’s players who were racially abusedCredit: Reuters
      The Three Lions trio all missed penalties against Italy in the shootout at Wembley.
      And all were sent racist messages on social media after the final defeat on Sunday.
      Jamaican athlete Bolt, 34, became the latest star to support the England trio.
      The eight-time Olympic champion said: “First of all that’s horrible to know – for me it’s very tough to see these things.
      “As an African and a Black person, I can tell it must be rough on them and you can’t blame these guys, they don’t make the decision of who takes the penalties.
      “It’s football, you win some, you lose some and it’s tough for you to lose. I’ve gone through it with my team, but I won’t curse anybody or try to put them down when it comes to race or anything.”
      Bolt added: “We are all going to be upset when you miss a penalty, but when it gets to race then, it’s going to be a problem you understand.
      “It (racial abuse) was very unfair and I can’t believe this is where football is headed, I’ve loved football through my entire career, I’ve followed all these players so it’s tough to see something like that going on.
      “You can be upset at a person for missing because we are human, but if you’re going to bring race into it, then it has no place in football or just in general.”
      Bukayo Saka missed a penalty and was sent vile messages on social mediaCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were also targetedCredit: Reuters
      Rashford had a mural with his face on in Manchester vandalised in the wake of England’s Euros defeat.
      But demonstrators covered it over with messages of support and took a knee to show solidarity with the anti-racism protests.
      Rashford retweeted photos from the vigil with a heart emoji, and wrote: “Overwhelmed. Thankful. Lost for words.”
      In another message posted online, the Man Utd striker 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.”
      And Sancho, who is set to join him at Man Utd after completing a £73m move from Dortmund, said ‘hate will never win’.
      Sancho, 21, posted: “I’m not going 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.
      “I am proud of this England team and how we have united the whole nation in what has been a difficult 18 months for so many people.
      “Much as we wanted to win the tournament, we will build and learn from this experience going forward.
      “I want to say a massive thank you for all the positive messages and love and support that far outweighed the negative.
      “It’s been an honour as always representing England and wearing the Three Lions shirt, and I have no doubt we’ll be back even stronger!”
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      Dad arrested for abusing Marcus Rashford admits he may have sent tweet ‘when drunk’

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      A DAD arrested over a racist post to Marcus Rashford has admitted he may have sent it while drunk.Nick Scott, 50, originally denied sending the vile message after the Three Lions striker missed a penalty in Sunday’s heartbreaking final.
      Nick Scott admitted he may have drunkenly posted a racist message to Rashford
      But he has now admitted he may have “unknowingly” sent the offensive remarks while drunk.
      Scott also begged for the Utd striker’s forgiveness and revealed he benefited from the star’s free meals campaign.
      The football coach told The Sun: “I was hammered at the time and don’t remember doing it.
      “But if I did I want Marcus to know that I’m truly sorry and I apologise sincerely.
      “After everything he’s done for my kids and all the other kids in the country with the free school meals.
      “He’s absolutely brilliant. He’s helped my family and I can’t thank him enough.”
      RACE ROW
      Scott also insisted he is not racist, adding: “I’m a quarter black South African myself and I was married to a German.”
      It has now emerged Scott was married to “Lotto Gran” Susanne Hinte in 1999.
      She hit the headlines in January 2016 when she tried to claim a £33million jackpot with a ticket she said she accidentally put in the washing machine.
      But the true winner eventually came forward with a real ticket and her scam was exposed.
      Susanne died from a heart attack aged 49 in August 2017.
      Scott was one of four people arrested in relation to racist abuse aimed at the England players.

      A tweet from the dad’s Twitter page was posted minutes after Rashford missed a penalty.
      The message said: “Marcus Rashford that MBE needs burning ya fake.
      “Pack them bags and get to ya own country.”
      Scott was arrested over the tweet
      Rashford was one of three England stars to be hit with abuse
      Hundreds take knee at Rashford mural in anti-racism vigil after vile abuse More

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      Team GB footballers confirm they WILL take knee before kick-off at Tokyo Olympics in defiance after England race shame

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      TEAM GB footballers have confirmed they will take a knee before their Olympic matches.Sun Sport revealed last week that the squad, under head coach Hege Riise, had been determined to follow the stance used in the WSL as well as men’s football since last year’s restart.
      Riise has confirmed that her Team GB will be taking the knee before their games at the Tokyo 2020 gamesCredit: Reuters
      It had potentially brought the Team GB players, including two Scots and one from Wales, into conflict with Games chiefs.
      But a reversal allowing pre-match gestures sealed the deal.
      In a statement, Team GB said: “The Team GB Women’s Football squad have confirmed their intention to take the knee on the field of play ahead of kick-off in their games at the forthcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Football tournament in Japan.
      “The squad welcomed recent clarification provided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in relation to Rule 50 which now permits athletes to make gestures on the field of play, provided they are done so without disruption and with respect for fellow competitors.”
      The confirmation came as Riise announced the captaincy of the side will be rotated in the three group games to reflect the unique circumstances of three Home Nations being united under one flag.
      England skipper Steph Houghton, Wales captain Sophie Ingle and Scotland vice-captain Kim Little will each wear the armband in the opening three games against Chile, Japan and Canada.
      Team GB’s opening two matches are in Sapporo, with the side the first British athletes in action on Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony.
      Riise said: “We are fortunate to have so many experienced and talented players in our squad and we think of ourselves as a ‘leaderful’ team.
      The Team GB are determined to use the stance which has been widely used in the WSL and Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      Their decision to take the stance comes after Rashford, Sancho and Saka were racially abused following their penalty misses in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
      “Where every individual brings their own leadership strengths to the group.
      “However Steph, Sophie and Kim will lead the way on the pitch.
      “This is a very close group on and off the pitch and I have been so impressed how they have all come together.
      “When you get to an Olympics you realise you are part of something veryspecial and I know the players and support team are determined to give everything they can.”
      About the decision to kneel – as both England and Wales did before all their games in Euro 2020 – Riise added: “The players and staff have been taking the knee at club and international level for over a year now.
      “And we were all united in our decision to continue doing whatever we can to raise awareness of racism and discrimination in all itsforms.
      “Standing in unity and solidarity with all those whose lives are affected.
      “We are clear that taking the knee is an important symbol of peaceful protest against discrimination, injustice and inequality in society.
      “And we are glad that the IOC have acknowledged the importance of this form of freedom of expression.
      “We will do so with The utmost respect for our fellow competitors, officials and the IOC, with due regard for the ideals that lie at the heart of the Olympic movement.”
      Team GB’s decision to take the knee comes shortly after England stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Buyako Saka were all racially abused following their penalty misses against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

      The trio were subjected to vile abuse from trolls on Twitter which has outraged the nation.
      Manchester United ace Rashford had his mural in the city vandalised. which left him on the brink of tears, but it was covered with messages of support shortly after.
      His new United team-mate Sancho also revealed he was saddened by the horrific jibes but declared that hate will never win.
      Hege Riise is appointed Team GB women’s football head coach for Tokyo Olympics More

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      How ex-Portugal’s Eder went from Euro 2016 hero to being unemployed after carrying trophy onto Wembley pitch

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      IN the summer of 2016, Eder was a national hero in Portugal after coming off the bench to net his side’s winner in extra-time in the final of the European Championship.The striker, now 33, climbed off the bench to replace Renato Sanches late in the 90 minutes at the Stade de France.
      Eder was Portugal’s hero at Euro 2016 as he scored the extra-time winner in the finalCredit: —
      Most-recently Eder trudged around the Wembley pitch parading the Euro 2020 trophy ahead of England’s penalty shootout defeat to ItalyCredit: Getty
      With Cristiano Ronaldo off the pitch after picking up an injury, Eder took his chance to be the hero by scoring in the 109th minute to give Portugal a sensational win and break the hearts of French fans.
      But now, five years on, Eder has all but been forgotten – only popping into fans’ heads after carrying the Euro 2020 trophy around Wembley ahead of kick-off on Sunday.
      Many viewers noticed the forward looked stony-faced bordering on miserable.
      But for Eder, the trudge around the pitch in front of 65,000 fans may have reminded him just how far he’s fallen.
      We take a look at just what happened to the striker since that iconic night in 2016.
      A year prior to the tournament, Eder joined then-Premier League side Swansea in a £5million deal from Portuguese giants Braga.
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      But after failing to score in his first 15 games, the striker was loaned to Ligue 1 side Lille for the remainder of the season.
      Eder scored six times in 13 games to squeeze his way into the Portugal squad alongside Ronaldo, Nani, Sanches and Co.
      But the forward stayed at Lokomotiv until this summer, failing to score in just nine games last season – taking his overall tally for the Russians to ten goals in 72 games across four seasons.
      Ronaldo and Nani had been the main men throughout the tournament, with three goals apiece as they beat Poland and Wales in the knockout stages to reach the final against France.
      Chasing the win, Eder was brought on to replace Sanches – who was enjoying a breakout career moment at the tournament – with ten minutes left in the 90.
      Incredibly, the striker grabbed his first and only goal of the tournament with just 11 minutes of extra-time to play.

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      And with France unable to find a way back into the game, Portugal were crowned champions.
      Lille signed the striker permanently that summer, hoping for more heroics.
      But after just six goals in 31 Ligue 1 games, he was loaned to Russian Premier League side Lokomotiv Moscow, before joining permanently a year later.
      Despite being his nation’s Euro 2016 hero, Eder failed to receive a call-up for the 2018 World Cup in Russia – where he’d spent the last year playing club football.
      Since being released, Eder is yet to be snapped up and is currently unemployed at the age of just 33.
      He’ll be desperate to prove he still has something to offer a major European player.
      Eder’s appearance at Wembley may have reminded a few bosses of his availability.
      But his stint in the wilderness is still in its early days for now.

      Ex-England star Daniel Sturridge is currently training with LaLiga side Real Mallorca following their promotion to the top-flight.
      The former Liverpool man had been without a club since being let go by Turkish side Trabzonspor in March 2020.
      Eder will hope he won’t be kept waiting that long – with Brighton rumoured to be interested as recently as March.
      Eder’s 109th-minute goal sparked wild celebrations on the pitch as Portugal edged past FranceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Eder has spent the last four seasons at Lokomotiv Moscow – including his loan spell from Lille – and has been a free agent since the end of JuneCredit: AFP
      Jadon Sancho saddened by racial abuse but says ‘hate will never win’ as England star writes powerful Instagram message More

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      Giorgio Chiellini ‘waiting’ for Juventus call after Italy hero’s contract ran out before Euro 2020 triumph

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      GIORGIO CHIELLINI hopes to extend his 17-year Juventus career following his heroics for Italy at the European Championships. The Serie A veteran will celebrate his 37th birthday in August a month after leading the Azzurri to their second Euros trophy win. 
      Giorgio Chiellini’s agent is hoping for new Juventus contract for his clientCredit: Marc Aspland EURO 2020 Newspapers Pool
      The Italy skipper, who began his senior playing career at 16 at Livorno, is currently out of contract. 
      The centre-back’s previous deal with Juve, who finished fourth in Serie A last term, expired in July. 
      His agent Davide Lippi suggests Chiellini is relaxed about his future despite him currently being without a club. 
      Lippi reportedly told Italian station Radio Radio: “Giorgio went to the Euros and focused exclusively on that. It takes two to sign a contract.
      “There’s no problem with Juventus, we said we’d meet up later in the summer, but we haven’t yet sat down to discuss a renewal.”
      Chiellini, who made 25 appearances for the Old Lady across all competitions last season, saw his Juve deal expire on June 30. 
      It is thought the defender, who once snubbed a move to Arsenal at 16, could consider a switch to a European giant.
      However staying in Turin reported to be his preference.
      Lippi added: “They’d have to make the offer first. As of today, there is nobody. We are waiting for Juventus to tell us when we can sit down and have a chat.
      “He was a symbol of Juventus for many years and we are waiting for a club.
      “Nobody has called, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did, as he’s the only free agent in the Italy squad now.

      NO ITALY RETIREMENT
      Chiellini, who made six Euros 2020 appearances for Roberto Mancini’s side, has received 112 caps since making his senior Azzurri debut in 2004. 
      And it is thought the defender, who suffered a thigh injury scare during Italy’s group stage win against Switzerland, is showing no signs of wanting to call time on his international career. 
      This is despite rumours of the player potentially considering international retirement. 
      It is thought Chiellini is looking to help the Azzurri in their quest to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. 
      Lippi praised his client for battling his way back to fitness after a severe knee injury kept him out of action from August 2019 until February 2020. 
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      Lippi added: “Thinking of Chiellini away from the playing field at this moment is madness.
      “What he did after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament is incredible. 
      “What fuels him is passion and we saw in the Euros that the passion is still strong.”
      Chiellini hopes to be part of Italy’s qualifying campaign for the 2022 World CupCredit: Alamy
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      Football coach arrested for racially abusing Marcus Rashford was married to ‘Lotto Gran’ who tried to scam £33m jackpot

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      A FOOTBALL coach arrested for racially abusing Marcus Rashford was married to a “Lotto gran” who tried scamming a £33million jackpot.Nick Scott, 50, allegedly targeted the Three Lions hero with a vile message following Sunday’s Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.
      Scott was married to Lotto gran Susanne Hinte
      A tweet from the dad’s Twitter page was posted minutes after Rashford missed a penalty.
      The message said: “Marcus Rashford that MBE needs burning ya fake.
      “Pack them bags and get to ya own country.”
      It has now emerged Scott was married to “Lotto Gran” Susanne Hinte in 1999.
      She hit the headlines in January 2016 when she tried to claim a £33million jackpot with a ticket she said she accidentally put in the washing machine.
      But the true winner eventually came forward with a real ticket and her scam was exposed.
      Susanne died from a heart attack aged 49 in August 2017.
      The single dad, from Worcester, admits he may have “unknowingly” sent the offensive remarks to Rashford while drunk.
      ‘I WAS HAMMERED’
      He also begged for the Utd striker’s forgiveness and revealed he benefited from the star’s free meals campaign.
      The football coach told The Sun: “I was hammered at the time and don’t remember doing it.
      “But if I did I want Marcus to know that I’m truly sorry and I apologise sincerely.
      “After everything he’s done for my kids and all the other kids in the country with the free school meals.
      “He’s absolutely brilliant. He’s helped my family and I can’t thank him enough.”
      Scott also insisted he is not racist, adding: “I’m a quarter black South African myself and I was married to a German.”
      The coach was one of four people arrested in relation to racist abuse aimed at the England players.
      The racists have since been slammed by Prince William, Boris Johnson and England players after causing global outrage.

      Rashford said he would “never apologise for who I am and where I came from”.
      While Sancho said society “needs to do better” but added: “Hate will never win.”
      Harry Kane also aimed a message at so-called fans behind the abuse, saying: “We don’t want you.”
      Hinte claimed she put the winning ticket in the washing machine
      Her scam was exposed when the actual winner came forward
      A tweet targeting Rashford was sent from Scott’s Twitter account
      The striker suffered abuse after missing a penalty against Italy
      Online racism is ‘far too easy’ to get away with, says Harry Maguire as he calls for change More