Euro 2020: Marcus Rashford mural is defaced less than an hour after his penalty ...

Euro 2020: Marcus Rashford mural is defaced less than an hour after his penalty ...
Euro 2020: Marcus Rashford mural is defaced less than an hour after his penalty ...

A mural honouring England footballer Marcus Rashford was vandalised with graffiti less than an hour after he missed a penalty for the Three Lions in last night's crushing Euros final defeat to Italy at Wembley.  

Rashford, who was brought on a right-back during extra time in England's defeat to Roberto Mancini's squad, missed the team's third kick from the spot after the nerve-shredding match went to penalties.

The mural on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe in Withington, south Manchester was defaced with derogatory comments about Rashford including the words 'sh**e' and 'b*****d'. Further graffiti said 'f**k Sancho' - a reference to Rashford's Three Lions teammate Jadon Sancho, who also missed a penalty in the biggest game for England since the 1966 World Cup.

The artwork was created by Akse, a French-born graffiti artist, in November 2020. A painting of the Manchester United player appears alongside the phrase: 'Take pride in knowing that your struggle will play the biggest role in your purpose'.

The Football Association has condemned the 'disgusting behaviour' of a small number of mindless social media users who aimed abuse at players in the wake of England's loss to the Italians at the European Championship.

England manager Gareth Southgate this morning described abuse of Saka, Rashford and Jadon Sancho as 'unforgivable' after they were targeted by racists overnight after they missed penalties. He spoke out after Prince William and Prime Minister Boris Johnson denounced the racist abuse.

A mural honouring England star Marcus Rashford was vandalised less than an hour after last night's Euro 2020 final defeat

A mural honouring England star Marcus Rashford was vandalised less than an hour after last night's Euro 2020 final defeat

Further graffiti said 'f**k Sancho' - a reference to Rashford's Three Lions teammate Jadon Sancho, who also missed a penalty in the biggest game for England since the 1966 World Cup

Further graffiti said 'f**k Sancho' - a reference to Rashford's Three Lions teammate Jadon Sancho, who also missed a penalty in the biggest game for England since the 1966 World Cup

Ed Wellard, from Withington, tapes bin liners across offensive wording on the mural on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe on Copson Street, Withington

Ed Wellard, from Withington, tapes bin liners across offensive wording on the mural on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe on Copson Street, Withington

Rashford reacts after hitting the post in their team's third penalty in a penalty shoot-out

Rashford reacts after hitting the post in their team's third penalty in a penalty shoot-out

Southgate left little doubt of his feelings towards so-called supporters who had fired racist remarks at his team. He said: 'It's just not what we stand for. 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. It's my decision who takes the penalties, it's not a case of players not volunteering or more experienced players backing out.'

The Duke of Cambridge said he was 'sickened' by the racist abuse and called vile slurs at players 'totally unacceptable'.

William, the President of the FA who was at the game last night with his wife Kate Middleton and their seven-year-old son Prince George, called for those behind the messages to be punished.

In a statement, the duke said: 'I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night's match. It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.'  

It came as Savills estate agent launched an investigation after claims a member of staff had been behind one of the messages. A spokesperson said: 'Savills abhors and has zero tolerance to any form of racism and racial discrimination and is appalled by the racist comments in these tweets.

'Savills is immediately investigating and will take appropriate action.'

Mr Johnson echoed the Football Association's condemnation of those attacking the players after the team lost to Italy. He said: 'This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves. 

Wording on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford

Ed Wellard, from Withington, tapes bin liners across offensive wording on the mural on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe on Copson Street, Withington

Wording on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford

The mural on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe in Withington, south Manchester, was defaced with derogatory comments about Rashford including the words 'sh**e' and 'b*****d'

The mural on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe in Withington, south Manchester, was defaced with

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