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      Why is there a Premier League social media blackout and who is taking part?

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      THIS weekend SunSport will join Premier League clubs in their social media blackout campaign.From 3pm on Friday, April 30 to 11.59pm on Monday, May 3, all of The Sun’s Twitter accounts will suspend activity.
      Premier League clubs will not be posting on their social media this weekendCredit: PA
      Why is there a Premier League social media blackout?
      Across the sporting world, accounts on social media will fall silent this weekend.
      The initiative is a show of solidarity against racism, with all 20 Premier League clubs involved.
      Billed as ‘weekend of action’, Twitter accounts which would usually be buzzing with activity across a bank-holiday period will instead be dormant.
      The move is a bid to ramp up pressure on social platforms to act against online hate and abuse after a spate of recent incidents.
      Thierry Henry last month told SunSport’s Troy Deeney why he quit social media.
      The Arsenal legend shut down his accounts to take a stand against online abuse.

      Twitter have responded to the campaign indirectly, posting a statement which condemned racist behaviour on their site.
      It read: “Racist behaviour, abuse and harassment have absolutely no place on our service and alongside our partners in football, we condemn racism in all its forms.
      “We are resolute in our commitment to ensure the football conversation on our service is safe for fans, players and everyone involved in the game.
      “Since the started on September 12th, there have been over 30m Tweets from people in the UK about football.
      The blackout is designed to put pressure on social media companiesCredit: PA
      “In that time we have removed over 7,000 Tweets in the UK that were targeting the football conversation with violations of the Twitter Rules.
      “This represents roughly 0.02% of the overall football conversation in the UK and does not reflect the vast majority of people who engage in vibrant discussions about football on Twitter. 
      “Racism is a deep societal and complex issue and everyone has a role to play. 
      “We are committed to dong our part and continue to work closely with valued partners in football, government and police, along with the working group convened by Kick It Out to identify ways to tackle this issue collectively – both online and away from social media.”

      Who else is taking part?
      Alongside SunSport, a number of other broadcasters including Sky Sports, BT Sport and Guardian Sport will all fall silent on Twitter from 3pm on Friday.
      Uefa will follow suit, as well as accounts for the FA, Premier League clubs, EFL, Women’s Super League, PFA, Kick It Out and the Football Supporters Association.
      English cricket and Premiership rugby have also announced they intend to support the boycott.
      Lewis Hamilton says he will be joining in the boycottCredit: EPA
      F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has called on companies to do more in eradicating online hate and will also join the three-day ban.
      He said: ” I think I’m going to be supporting [the boycott] this weekend also. There’s no reason not to.
      “You’ve seen what’s happening around the world, you’ve seen a lot of the talk that happened last year, but this year is a year of action.
      “The social media platforms haven’t done enough at the end. They have the capability of implementing change and making sure that there’s no grounds for that.” More

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      Brighton ace Whelan says life has ‘changed forever’ after the arrival of her baby boy with partner Fern

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      AILEEN WHELAN says her life has been transformed after her partner Fern gave birth to their adorable baby boy.The Seagulls striker shared the news with more than a thousand of her Twitter followers along with a cute picture of the couple’s newborn son Jenson James Noel Whelan.
      Aileen and Fern Whelan have been celebrating the birth of their newborn son Jenson
      The Albion ace, whose team are due to play Arsenal, says she feels “complete” following the new addition to her family.
      And in a tweet addressed to Fern Whelan said: “And just like that our lives changed forever.
      “Welcome to the world Jenson James Noel Whelan.
      “Born on 15th April 2021 weighing 8lbs 1. Our world is complete and we are so in love!”
      Aileen and Fern previously played together at Everton and Notts County before joining the Seagulls in 2017.
      And they helped them gain promotion to the Women’s Super League that year.
      The duo announced Fern’s pregnancy in October 2020 after the former defender hung up her boots in September, having been dogged with long-term injuries.
      And despite becoming a mum, Aileen has no plans to slow down her playing career.
      Following the announcement of their pregnancy Whelan said: “I can’t wait!
      “I have always dreamt of having our own family.
      “There will be less sleep I’m sure, but Fern and I will manage this to ensure I’m still getting enough for me to perform at football. 
      “I’m not the first player to become a mum whilst still playing, so I know it is possible. 

      “Sophie Bradley-Auckland at Liverpool had a baby.
      “I’m sure she had a few sleepless nights but returned to playing elite football and is still a great player.”
      Aileen has been a key player for Albion who have undergone a resurgence in the top-flight in the second half of this season.
      The club, who are sixth, have won five of their last six games in the top flight.
      And Whelan who scored in three of those victories has been singled out for praise by boss Hope Powell.
      Powell said: “Aileen would continue running if she had a broken leg.
      “She will do the hard jobs, the scrappy jobs and will run her legs off. 
      “She probably covers more ground than any player, but more importantly, she scores goals. 
      “Aileen throws herself at anything, can score goals – quite often scrappy ones -but she scores.”
      Brighton will travel to Arsenal’s Borehamwood fortress in search of their eighth win in the WSL this term.
      Whelan has been in good form for Brighton who have won five of their last six games in the WSLCredit: Martin Smith / UK Sports Images
      Hope Powell’s side hope to pick up their eighth win of the season when they play ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      The last exchange between the sides ended in a 5-0 home defeat for Albion.
      Powell’s side will be hoping for a repeat of the performance that saw them defeat Chelsea and Man United.
      And they will be hoping Whelan brings some of little Jenson’s baby magic to the game.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Premier League social media blackout set to be agreed as clubs unite in powerful anti-racism message

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are set to agree a social media boycott, according to reports.Top-flight teams want to send a message that racism will not be tolerated and will launch a war against online hate.
      Premier League clubs are considering boycotting social media between May 1 and May 3Credit: Getty
      According to Daily Mail, teams are planning to go silent on social media for 24 hours either side of their game on the ‘Weekend of Action’ between May 1-3.
      And the report adds that the Premier League will also boycott social media for the duration of the round of fixtures.
      Clubs have been asked to confirm their support for the plans by 2pm on Monday 19 April, the report states.
      The move is a bid to ramp up pressure on social platforms to act against online hate and abuse after a spate of recent incidents.
      It comes after Swansea ditched social media for a week in a self-imposed seven-day exile.
      Rangers also followed suit in Scotland with a boycott of their own.
      Thierry Henry last month told SunSport’s Troy Deeney why he quit social media.
      The Arsenal legend shut down his accounts to take a stand against online abuse.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Clubs want to send a message that hate will not be toleratedCredit: Getty
      Henry explained: “Even if you have two million comments that are great, if you have one or two or three that aren’t, it has an impact on you.
      “I’m a man, I’m 43, but I’m still trying to figure out what kind of person I can be.
      “So just imagine when you are a kid and what it can do to your mental health.
      “The sheer pressure of not being on Instagram or Twitter or whatever is second to none for kids.
      “I’m always going to fight for my community and my sport. Being black and in football, I’ve seen too many people suffer.
      “But let’s not forget about the rest. That’s why I mentioned bullying and harassment and the impact it can have on you mentally.

      “People go to the extent of committing suicide. Not only black people are getting abuse on social media, not only football players.”
      The France legend added: “There is freedom of speech. But you can’t shout whatever you want in an airport, a cinema, a police station. This is my point: accountability.
      “Wilfried Zaha got abused and we find out after that the kid is 12 years old. How do you have an account? How can we not know who you are behind that account?”
      Thierry Henry explains his decision to quit social media More

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      Premier League clubs set to join forces to boycott social media in stand against vile racists after spate of incidents

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are considering joining forces to boycott social media.Top-flight teams want to send a message that racism will not be tolerated and a blanket boycott is one way to do so.
      Premier League clubs are considering joining forces to take a stand against online abuseCredit: Reuters
      According to Daily Mail, teams could unite to stay away from platforms such as Instagram and Twitter for an entire round of fixtures.
      The report adds that the idea of a Friday 5pm to Monday 9am social media hiatus has been discussed.
      And such a move would ramp up pressure on social platforms to act against online hate and abuse after a spate of recent incidents.
      One potential hurdle for such a blanket boycott is the commercial deals and agreements that clubs have to promote on their social channels.
      It comes after Swansea ditched social media for a week in a self-imposed seven-day exile.
      Rangers also followed suit in Scotland with a boycott of their own.
      Thierry Henry last month told SunSport’s Troy Deeney why he quit social media.
      The Arsenal legend shut down his accounts to take a stand against online abuse.
      Clubs are pondering a potential boycott social media for an entire round of fixturesCredit: Getty
      Henry explained: “Even if you have two million comments that are great, if you have one or two or three that aren’t, it has an impact on you.
      “I’m a man, I’m 43, but I’m still trying to figure out what kind of person I can be.
      “So just imagine when you are a kid and what it can do to your mental health.
      “The sheer pressure of not being on Instagram or Twitter or whatever is second to none for kids.
      “I’m always going to fight for my community and my sport. Being black and in football, I’ve seen too many people suffer.
      “But let’s not forget about the rest. That’s why I mentioned bullying and harassment and the impact it can have on you mentally.

      “People go to the extent of committing suicide. Not only black people are getting abuse on social media, not only football players.”
      The France legend added: “There is freedom of speech. But you can’t shout whatever you want in an airport, a cinema, a police station. This is my point: accountability.
      “Wilfried Zaha got abused and we find out after that the kid is 12 years old. How do you have an account? How can we not know who you are behind that account?”
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      N.B.A. Fines Kevin Durant for ‘Derogatory’ Social Media Spat

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      Michael Rapaport, an actor and podcast host, shared screenshots of a conversation in which Durant used homophobic and misogynistic language.The N.B.A. fined Kevin Durant, the Nets star, $50,000 for using “offensive and derogatory” language on social media, an apparent reference to screenshots of a private social media conversation between Durant and Michael Rapaport, an actor and podcast host.On Tuesday, Rapaport posted screenshots of an Instagram conversation with Durant in which Durant used homophobic and misogynistic language to refer to Rapaport, who was critical of an interview Durant did on TNT in December.The images shared by Rapaport did not appear to show the full exchange of messages between the two, but in one, Durant seemed to threaten Rapaport by naming a time and place for them to meet. Rapaport, who is white and has publicly made racist comments, responded multiple times by telling Durant, who is Black, to, “Go help the kids in BROWNSVILLE, BROOKLYN.” Brownsville is a mostly Black neighborhood where Rapaport has said he has gone to play basketball.After Rapaport posted the screenshots on Twitter, Durant replied to the post, saying, “Me and mike talk CRAZIER than this on the regular and today he’s pissed….My bad mike, damn!!” Rapaport then replied with misogynistic language. Rapaport’s initial post has been shared more than 15,000 times.The Nets declined to comment. Durant, 32, apologized on Thursday.“I’m sorry that people have seen the language I used,” Durant told reporters. “That’s not what I want people to see or hear from me, but hopefully I can move past it and get back out there on the floor.”Durant is prolific on social media, often using Twitter and Instagram to defend himself from fan criticism, no matter how small or large the fan’s followings. In 2017, it was revealed that Durant had created so-called burner accounts — alternate identities — to defend himself. Last year, he said on a podcast that he still has them.Rapaport, 51, is best known for roles on television shows such as “Boston Public” and “Prison Break” but has become more known in recent years for his basketball fandom and for his public social media feuds, including with his former employer Barstool.Durant has not played since Feb. 13 because of a hamstring strain. The Nets have not lost a step without him, having gone 18-3 since then. It is unknown when Durant will play again, but on Thursday he said, “I feel like it’ll be soon that I can be out there with my teammates.” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Anthony Martial subjected to vile racist abuse after West Brom draw.. the latest incident in worrying trend

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL has once again been targeted by racist trolls following Manchester United’s draw with West Brom.
      The France striker – along with club team-mate Axel Tuanzebe – were both on the receiving end of horrific abuse following the loss at the hands of Sheffield Utd on January 27.

      Anthony Martial has been targeted by vile racists following Man Utd’s 1-1 draw with West BromCredit: AFP

      And Martial was subjected to yet more disgraceful taunts on social media after the West Brom game, despite social media vowing to clamp down on racists.
      Martial, 25, started the game at The Hawthorns, but was replaced by Mason Greenwood after 66 minutes of the 1-1 stalemate.
      Immediately after the match, the United star was subjected to racist abuse on Instagram just days after their vow to crack down on vile trolls.
      Sick racists posted horrifying messages to various posts on his Instagram page, including the use of abusive emojis and the N-word.

      It is just the latest incident in a string of worrying racist attacks aimed at players.
      Tuanzebe and Martial were abused after the loss against Sheff Utd.
      Team-mate Marcus Rashford was targeted after the 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
      Southampton teenager Alex Jankewitz was also among the many footballers to be attacked in recent weeks.

      Martial and team-mate Axel Tuanzebe were trolled by sick racists following last month’s loss to Sheff UtdCredit: PA:Press Association

      Chelsea pair Reece James and Antonio Rudiger were both sent racist abuse, as well as James’ sister and Red Devils star Lauren.
      West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers was also on the receiving end of some abhorrent abuse last month – with a man arrested.
      Swansea and Manchester City said they were ‘appalled’ and ‘saddened’ as police opened an investigation into racist abuse sent to Yan Dhanda earlier this week.
      Instagram admitted their systems have struggled to block many of the abusive posts because they do not routinely screen direct messages as they are supposed to be private.
      But the company – owned by Facebook – have vowed to act more quickly in banning those behind the racist messages.
      They have also promised to work with police as much as possible to prosecute the abusers.
      Instagram has vowed to make it easier for users to use settings to block terms or emojis from reaching them.
      They also say it is working on a new feature – planned for roll-out later this year – which will improve the ability to stop abusive DMs reaching them.

      Solskjer reacts to Man Utd’s dismal draw with West Brom More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo reaches historic 500 MILLION social media followers while Georgina Rodriguez launches fashion range

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has continued to set records on and off the pitch after reaching 500 million followers on social media.
      The Juventus superstar became the first celebrity to hit the historic half a billion figure across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

      Cristiano Ronaldo has hit the 500 million mark on social mediaCredit: Instagram

      The Portuguese star is the first person to hit half a billion followersCredit: Instagram / @cristiano

      Juventus star Ronaldo is the most followed celebrity on Instagram

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner earns more in sponsorship than football salaryCredit: Instagram

      The 36-year-old pops up on 124m Facebook feeds, 91m users’ Twitter timelines and his photos appear to a whopping 261m people on Instagram.
      Other than Insta’s own personal account with 386m followers, Ronaldo’s page is the most followed of anyone in the world.
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      Even on YouTube, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner exceeds a million despite not using the account for four years.

      Ronaldo’s great rival Lionel Messi only boasts 90m Facebook followers and 183m on Instagram, while the Argentine doesn’t have Twitter.
      SunSport revealed last year that CR7 actually makes more money on social media than he does playing for Juventus.
      Ronaldo saw an increase of £3.5m from his Instagram earnings last year from in 2019 by pocketing an average £971,000 per sponsored post.
      Over the past year he promoted Nike, his fragrance CR7 Play it Cool and even an EMS training device called ‘Sixpad’.

      His partner Georgina Rodriguez, who regularly frequents his page, has also amassed 24m followers and is one of the fastest growing Instagram’s.

      Ronaldo’s Social Media Following

      Instagram: 261m
      Twitter: 91m
      Facebook: 147m
      YouTube: 1m

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      And the Spanish model has continued to branch out with the launch of her own clothing line.
      Rodriguez is no stranger to the fashion industry having caught the eye of Ronaldo when she worked as a sales assistant at a Gucci store in Madrid.
      The 27-year-old will be hoping her own fashion line is just as successful as Ronaldo’s, as his ‘CR7’ range continues to grow.

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      Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter chief Jack Dorsey called out by football chiefs to end abuse on social media

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      ENGLISH football has united to demand social media giants stop talking and start acting to root out online abuse.
      In a direct and no punches pulled message to Twitter chief Jack Dorsey and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, representatives of all areas of the game came together in an open letter to tell the companies that ‘basic human decency’ required intervention.

      Football chiefs have penned a joint letter to social media giants including Facebook’s Mark ZuckerbergCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Twitter boss Jack Dorsey is the other recipient of the letterCredit: Reuters

      Recent weeks have seen players including Anthony Martial, Axel Tuanzebe, Reece James, Romaine Sawyers and Lauren James subjected to vile racist abuse.
      And referee Mike Dean will not work this weekend following online death threats posted to his family.
      The damning letter was signed by FA chief Mark Bullingham, Prem boss Richard Masters, Gordon Taylor, EFL chief exec Trevor Birch, womens’ game leader Kelly Simmons, the LMA’s Richard Bevan, Mike Riley and Sanjay Bhandari of Kick It Out.
      It said: “The language used is debasing, often threatening and illegal.

      “It causes distress to the recipients and the vast majority of people who abhor racism, sexism and discrimination of any kind.
      “We have had many meetings with your executives over the years but the reality is your platforms remain havens for abuse.
      “Your inaction has created the belief in the minds of the anonymous perpetrators that they are beyond reach.”
      Players are understood to be considering a boycott of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as a sign of their growing anger and indignation.

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      And Edleen John, the FA director in charge of equality, diversity and inclusion, explained: “The companies must be able to create an algorithm which filters and blocks this abuse.
      “There must also be a swift takedown of anything they see that could be abusive or deemed abusive.
      “Users need to be verified. We have keyboard warriors sitting at home, typing whatever they want, and nobody is able to trace them or where they are.
      “I don’t believe these social media companies are unable to do that. If there is anybody who can find that information, it’s going to be a massive tech company.
      “We’ve been talking for 18 months. It seems there isn’t that impetus or momentum in the social media companies to address this.
      “It shouldn’t take 18 months to build an algorithm for them to be able to stop some of the stuff that’s happening.”
      ‘THEY’RE NOT READY TO MAKE THAT CHANGE’
      Twitter and Facebook both responded by insisting they were taking the issue seriously, in the wake of Government threats to levy fines of 10 per cent of their global earnings if the abuse continued.
      A Twitter spokesperson said: “There is no room for racist abuse on Twitter and we are resolute in our commitment to ensure the football conversation on our service is safe for fans, players and everyone involved in the game.
      “We strongly condemn this behaviour and will continue to take swift action on the minority that try to undermine the conversation for the majority.”
      Facebook added: “We don’t want hate and racism on our platforms and remove it when we find it.”
      But John added: “The discussions are always around ‘well, you know, we can’t look at things like emojis, because you have to think of context’.
      “If you are talking about a black person receiving a banana or a monkey, I’m not sure any further context or explanation is needed.
      “And if you can build a robot to vacuum your house you must be able to create an AI mechanism that can see words, emojis and pictures and filter them.
      “The only conclusion you can draw is they’re not ready to make that change and they don’t want to because they are more interested in driving people to the platforms.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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