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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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      Ian Wright’s racist abuser should have been JAILED – we will get nowhere by pussyfooting around despicable insults

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      TEENAGER Patrick O’Brien was so upset at losing a Fifa video game, he sent Ian Wright 20 racist messages on Instagram.
      Wright recoiled. O’Brien later asked his forgiveness. Well he would, wouldn’t he?

      Ian Wright’s racist abuser has dodged jail after a court hearing in IrelandCredit: PA:Press Association

      His solicitor in Tralee District Court said he was a good boy in school. Well, he would, too, wouldn’t he?
      He pleaded that the judge should put him on probation. Which he did, didn’t he?
      Wright, an outstanding commentator and wonderful footballer, speaks more common sense than a dozen of those judges and solicitors.
      He said he accepts O’Brien’s apologies but that didn’t alter the fact that he was disappointed his abuser has hardly been inconvenienced by his punishment.

      I’ll say it for Wright. O’Brien should have been jailed.
      The judge had an opportunity to set a deterrent and a precedent, but instead brushed this vileness aside as if it meant nothing.
      And so, the abuse continues.
      In our most depressing week in football Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were all targeted, as was Southampton midfielder Alex Jankewitz.

      Humanity and social media at its worst. Yes I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am. No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you’re just simply not going to get it here 👊🏾
      — Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) January 30, 2021

      Rashford described the abuse as “humanity and social media at its worst”.
      And I can assure you whatever you have read, it will only be the tip of the iceberg of what these young men, and many others, are being subjected to.
      Two things become clear to me. First, we will get nowhere by pussyfooting around racism.
      It is dehumanising, humiliating and cowardly and must be treated as a most serious crime, ranked alongside assault at least.
      Wright said: “An individual wished death on me because of my skin colour.
      “No judge’s claims of ‘naivety’ or ‘immaturity’ will be acceptable to us.”

      I advise social media companies to set about catching everyone or, better, forcing people to identify themselves to send messages.

      Second, it is time the Government got tough with online social media companies, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and the rest, to ensure they act responsibly.
      Twitter, which has more than 330 million users and is valued at more than £30billion, takes no liability for comments made on its platform.
      They insist they are just “enabling communications” rather than publishing content — a crucial distinction which means they are not liable for trolling or abuse.
      Tell that to anyone, myself included, who has been on the wrong end of violent abuse, threats of rape or murder, or racism.
      If you report someone on Twitter their account may be blocked. But the troll simply sets up another account, in another name with another email address, and the abuse continues.
      So, I advise social media companies that instead of making noises about independence of views and the difficulties in rooting out these creatures, you should set about catching everyone or, better, forcing people to identify themselves when they send messages.
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      On the basis they think they can hide anonymously behind their keyboards, making it easy to identify them so they can be held responsible for their words will have the biggest deterrent of all.
      As for the abusers themselves, you are despicable.
      All 20 Premier League clubs have united and we are determined to make eliminating you, and your abuse, a priority.

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      Premier League, FA and football authorities hold first serious all-party meeting to combat wave of vile online abuse

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      FOOTBALL authorities have held their first serious all-party meeting with social media giants to combat online hate as Anton Ferdinand demanded they be held to account.
      Anti-racism leaders Kick It Out convened the gathering of the game’s senior organisations.

      Kick It Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari has described the ‘culture of impunity’ behind online hateCredit: PA:Press Association

      Former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand addressed today’s meetingCredit: PA:Press Association

      Facebook and Twitter were invited to the talk alongside the Premier League, PFA, FA, EFL and LMA.
      Former West Ham defender Ferdinand told the meeting: “As footballers we are held accountable for our actions all the time – why aren’t the people that are sending abuse, and the social media platforms, held to account too?
      “I had no escape from being racially abused, whether that was on the streets or social media.
      “The ripple effect the abuse had on me and my family, I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience that.”

      The social media companies agreed to take steps to ensure a zero tolerance policy on online hate and abuse.
      As part of a set of “common principles” the parties confirmed that “discrimination, hate and abuse towards those who play, support or work in the game is totally unacceptable”.
      That includes “real-world consequences” for those who use online platforms to spread abuse with the determination to make perpetrators be “accountable for their actions”.
      Outside bodies involved were UK Football Policing Unit, Women in Football, Crown Prosecution Service, Home Office and Sky, with further meetings to be held every two months.

      Online discriminatory abuse is unacceptable and tackling this issue must be a priority for football and social media companies.
      Richard MastersPremier League Chief Exec

      Kick it Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari said: “Online hate thrives because there is a culture of impunity.
      “People feel free to say what they want because they are confident there will be no consequences. That must change.”
      Prem chief executive Richard Masters added: “Online discriminatory abuse is unacceptable and tackling this issue must be a priority for football and social media companies.
      “Sadly, there are too many instances of footballers and their families receiving horrific discriminatory messages and nobody should have to deal with this.
      “The Premier League welcomes this initiative as a means of persuading social media companies to remove offensive material swiftly and help the Premier League and law enforcement bodies identify perpetrators.”
      Twitter and Facebook appear to recognise their responsibilities.

      Between June and September last year were able to find 95% of the hate speech content and removed it before anyone reported it.
      Jerry NewmanFacebook

      Facebook’s Jerry Newman said: “We don’t want racism or any type of hate speech on Facebook or Instagram.
      “Over the last few years, we’ve tripled the size of our safety and security team and between June and September last year were able to find 95 per cent of the hate speech content and removed it before anyone reported it. We won’t stop there.”
      Katy Minshall of Twitter added: “Racist behaviour has no place on Twitter and we strongly condemn it.
      “We continue to collaborate closely with our partners in football to identify ways to tackle this issue collectively.”

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      Bournemouth star Junior Stanislas suffers ‘disgusting and completely intolerable’ racist abuse after winner at Stoke

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      BOURNEMOUTH have backed calls for social media companies to step up after Junior Stanislas suffered ‘completely intolerable’ racist abuse following his winner against Stoke.
      The winger, 31, was targeted on Twitter after his goal helped the Cherries to a 1-0 win on Saturday.

      Stanislas is congratulated by Bournemouth team-mates after scoring the winner against StokeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Stanislas celebrates against Stoke after scoring his seventh goal in 17 league games this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      One single user sent ‘multiple tweets of racial abuse alongside vile insults about the midfielder’s family’, a statement from the South Coast club revealed.
      Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake added: “It is both disgusting and completely intolerable that anyone could be subjected to the racial abuse that Junior has received.
      “I am astounded that people believe writing and posting these comments is acceptable.
      “We will be contacting Twitter and the Football Association for their help in identifying the individual concerned, and will pursue the strongest possible action against them.”

      The latest sickening attack comes after Stanislas’ fellow Championship star Bright Osayi-Samuel was targeted earlier this week after he scored for QPR in their 1-1 draw with Norwich.
      He was sent banana and monkey emojis on Instagram alongside a message wishing that he and his family die ‘in an accident or with the corona’.
      It led to calls from Rangers’ director of football Les Ferdinand demanding that social media companies and governing bodies in sport step in to stop people being able to set up anonymous accounts.
      The England hero, 54, stated: “In a society that now rightly places greater importance on mental wellbeing than ever before, how can people be able to set up anonymous social media accounts?

      Les Ferdinand called for action after QPR’s Osayi-Samuel was sent vile messageCredit: PA:Press Association

      “This will continue and continue until we stop it from being possible.
      “I believe governing bodies across sport – not just football – need to come together to create a powerful voice which calls for social media platforms to change their stance.”
      Bournemouth’s Blake echoed his calls in his statement backing former Burnley and West Ham ace Stanislas, who has seven goals in 17 league games already this term.
      He said: “We would wholeheartedly support any movement towards ensuring that all social media accounts are verified through formal identification, and therefore make the users liable for their actions.
      “The club’s stance on any form of discrimination is unequivocal. It is completely unacceptable and must be called out and acted upon whenever and wherever it is found.
      “We stand firmly with Junior and will continue to work tirelessly to educate and rid the game of all forms of discrimination.”

      Ashton Hewitt was targeted after Dragons lost to Scarlets
      Rugby has also fallen foul of racism on social media this week.
      Dragons’ Ashton Hewitt was targeted by a newly-created Twitter account after the New Year’s Day defeat to the Scarlets.
      Police have been alerted and Hewitt himself shared a screenshot of the abuse with the caption: “This is what a rugby fan somewhere (in Wales I think) wants me to see after a game.
      “Pleaaase someone find out and tell me who it is.”

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      Ex-Bournemouth defender Stephane Zubar mercilessly mocked for ’embarrassing’ dive after fan throws ball at him

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      FORMER Bournemouth defender Stephane Zubar has been ruthlessly mocked after collapsing to the floor after he was hit by a ball thrown by a fan.
      The video, which has been widely shared on Twitter, shows a fan throwing the ball back on the pitch after it went out of play.

      Let’s be honest and joking aside Matt 🤷🏽‍♂️ that looked painful 😂🤣
      — Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) November 2, 2020

      The ball strikes Zubar who falls to the ground

      The ball, chucked from behind the goal, strikes Zubar on his back as he walks away.
      The 34-year-old, seemingly unaware of where the ball has come from, appears to sense an opportunity and drops to the floor writhing in agony.
      With Zubar on the floor, the fan behind the goal raises his arms in the air, apparently delighted to have struck the defender.
      The incident happened during the match between AFC Totton – Zubar’s current team – and Thatcham Town in the English Southern League.

      Thatcham’s keeper looks bemused at Zubar’s theatrics and walks over to check on him with the referee not far behind.
      His efforts were in vain as no foul was given and the video quickly amassed 260,000 views on Twitter with some humorous responses to go along with it.
      Leading the charge was football pundit Chris Kamara who joked about how ‘painful’ it looked.
      Replying to the video posted by Twitter user Matt Smith he said: “Let’s be honest and joking aside Matt Man shrugging that looked painful!”

      To which Smith replied: “Didn’t it just, Kammy. I’m pleased to inform you that the the lad is recovering well.”

      Not to be out-done, footy reporter Aaron Flanagan tweeted: “Remember Stephane Zubar, the former Bournemouth chap? Well, he’s now got the most sensitive elbow in football!”
      Fans also couldn’t wait to get in on the jokes and added some classic responses.
      One said: “I bet he is eagerly awaiting a cold call from a legal firm asking if he has had an injury at work in the last two years!”
      Another said: “He’ll be out for weeks from that.”
      Amazon Prime’s Video Sport account caught wind of the incident and shared their bewilderment at Zubar’s actions.
      They tweeted: “A truly unbelievable dive from ex-Bournemouth defender Stephane Zubar in the 8th tier of English football.”

      To make matters worse for Zubar, his team went on to lose the match 2-1.
      The defender is best known for his time in England with Bournemouth, who he helped gain promotion to the Premier League in his last two years at the club.
      He made 24 appearances for the Cherries during his stint there from 2011 to 2016. More