Spidey felt this was pretty important to discuss, this week, after all the drama of the last week, after the final.
Now, you now I am not football’s biggest fan, however, when there is something big to support, I am there. As I was last week, at the Euro 2020 finals.
The tension was palpable, as we cruised through the first half, then ended up on the edge of our seats in the second half when Italy equalised. A tough half an hour of extra time gave nothing, ending the night in that craziness that is penalties. All that hard work, of playing a whole match, essentlially left to the luck of the kick for the players chosen to take the penalties.
And we started them so well… Then the first England miss happened… followed by two more.
Is it not a sad thing that as soon as the realisation hit, that the three that missed, were black players, many of us already dreaded the backlash of abuse that would pour from the mouths of the racists fans who just need an excuse for their hatred and racism to show?
We weren’t wrong, unfortunately.
Whereas many of of us applauded our lads for reaching the final, and giving it their best shot, there were those rcist trolls who took great delight in spouting their hatred and opinions about those players who missed, callingn them all manner of names, threatening them, and using their skin colour as the anchor for their abuse.
Marcus Rashford, who I quoted above, was one of the unfortunate targets.
Do these peope have such short memories? Because of this young footballer, and his tireless campaigning, many impoverished school aged children were provided with food, over lockdown and the school holidays. And you can beet your bottom dollar that many of those who were speaking ill of him, had children who benefitted from Rashford’s good work.
Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were also targetted, yet even they, despite their age, have done so much for their communitites…
All this forgotten, because they missed a penalty?
It disgusts me, and I know it disgusted many others.
But what will be done to curb the loutish, racist behaviour of these football hooligans?
The turning on the players of their own team was the icing on the foul tasting cake, served by them this tournament, with England fans disgracing their team and country, by jeering the national anthems of other countries, lighting flares in the stadiums, shining lazers into the eyes of the opposition’s goal keeper, general violence and shameful behavior, is inexcusable.
I, for one, am so proud of this team that worked so hard to get further than any other England Mens team, since 1966. (I won’t mention that the Womens team have been kicking it during that time!) They handled the defeat with grace and aplomb, yet had to hang their heads, due to the behaviour of their supporters.
Supporters like that? I think enemies would be better behaved!
Come on, England Supporters. We need to get this right. Why colour the reputation of your whole county? Show a little pride in yourselves.
So… tell me, what were your thoughts on the happenings after the Euro Final?
Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Jul 25, 2021 @ 16:32:56
Spot on, Ritu! It is sad and so very wrong. I have to believe in my heart that these people are the few, not the majority. Unfortunately they get the press.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 25, 2021 @ 16:48:31
They do. The minority ruining things for the majority, unfortunately…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 26, 2021 @ 02:50:41
Exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 26, 2021 @ 08:16:46
😢
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 23, 2021 @ 07:51:29
https://youtube.com/channel/UC_tbDos6dBgutRKSd_4B0Cw
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 20, 2021 @ 18:34:12
Hi Ritu, I am sorry to read this. It is shameful. After the way my countrymen behaved last week, looting and burning, including 50 schools, I just don’t know what’s happening in this world anymore.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jul 20, 2021 @ 18:38:15
That is incredibly sad, Robbie! What is the world coming to, seriously?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 19, 2021 @ 06:15:05
It is impossible what sayings and blame were given to the players. But you can see very clearly the racism that some people just can’t give up. I am feeling so sad, that one has to experience something like this, again and again. xx Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jul 19, 2021 @ 06:15:33
It saddened us all, Bro… 😢
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jul 19, 2021 @ 07:09:59
It’s horrible. Whenever there are reasonably joyful moments, things like that come back.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jul 19, 2021 @ 06:12:34
Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jul 18, 2021 @ 18:57:44
It’s a sad state of our world that this happens – not just in England but everywhere in some way…we should be SO far past this, but as you know, things have gone in a shameful reverse here in the US, driven by hateful, racist rhetoric – hopefully, the next generation will se this as shameful, and they will never react this way…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jul 18, 2021 @ 19:06:42
I truly hope the next generation take what’s right, and act upon it, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jul 18, 2021 @ 18:16:30
I abhor such ‘scumbag’ behaviour. If the unfortunate footballers involved could find it within themselves to actually pity the offenders.-.yes I know it would be hard -. for they really are either bird-brained,mentally retarded or have been dragged up, they would realize they are worth far more than those louts. There have always been such people in society,more’s the pity. If their identities are discovered, ban them from ALL matches in the future..xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jul 18, 2021 @ 18:17:30
Their responses to the abuse has been amazing. Lessons to be learned, and from such young lads.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 17:18:44
Ritu, As many others already stated, what a shame and disgusting behavior. We are all human beings! Yes, the team they supported did not win, but that’s part of the game and it does happen, only one can win, so NO need for shaming them. Maybe next time those that shamed should be put on the spot to see if they can do better when they have to do the penalty kicking!
Tweeted your post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 17:23:48
I think that would be something… the ones causing the issues could probably barely kick a ball!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 17:14:43
A disgraceful end to a wonderful achievement. I signed a petition to have racists and abusers banned for life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 17:18:21
Such a sad end to what could have been a great celebration, regardless of the result!
LikeLike
Jul 18, 2021 @ 16:20:24
I hang my head in shame , those people are too ignorant to learn! 💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 17:13:52
They disgraced themselves and our whole country, in front of the world…
LikeLike
Jul 18, 2021 @ 18:34:04
Yes indeed they did 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 18:34:31
Did not mean that smily face sorry
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 18:41:30
🤗
LikeLike
Jul 18, 2021 @ 16:13:44
It is unfortunate but so common that this happens in sports. The fans reaction and aftermath was disgusting. Would their color have played a part if the penalty kicks were made? Unfortunately racism will always exist when it hides behind the fake cheers and applause. England should be celebrated for reaching the finals. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 17:13:17
This is the thought of many, Brother, but it’s always the minority who get heard…
LikeLike
Jul 18, 2021 @ 18:07:07
I agree, Sister 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 16:13:37
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 16:17:50
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 19, 2021 @ 02:34:11
Happy to share, Ritu!! Hoping with all the upswing in Covid cases that You and yours stay safe and healthy! Keeping you and your country in my thoughts and prayers. 😉💕🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 19, 2021 @ 05:50:04
Thank you, my dear friend 😊
LikeLike
Jul 18, 2021 @ 16:00:15
When people are frustrated they will always find something to offend those they think are responsible for their frustration where they think it hurts most. Those voices are always the loudest ones when even there are only a few compared to the many thinking differently. However, it is a no-go to become racist. But it is a no-go anyway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 16:05:14
No go, atvany time, Sis!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 13:04:38
Dare I say it but as someone who has been at football since the 70s, generally (and I mean that – it’s still appalling every time) things have improved in and around grounds. There is a long way to go until its gone completely and that may be a utopia too far. There seems to have been a complacency around this game because how well things seemed to have gone in the lead up. Tougher policing and stewarding is needed for sure. And the new problem of the oxygen of anonymous social media is something we need to grapple with generally and not just in the context of football.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 13:30:17
Social media has a lot to answer for His Geoffleship!
LikeLike
Jul 19, 2021 @ 08:47:16
Oh how true. Wouldn’t want to lose it but it comes with its own problems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 19, 2021 @ 18:50:45
Absolutely….
LikeLike
Jul 18, 2021 @ 11:38:27
There was a lot that happened last Sunday that was shameful, but the racism was the worst. I hope there is a solution, because things can’t go on like this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 12:32:03
I truly hope so, too, April!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 09:18:56
All the lads did well, but the ‘supporters’ were well out of order, Ritu – I hope they are caught, named and shamed for their actions and words…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 09:37:31
I truly hope so, too, Chris. It’s just not on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 09:18:36
Well said, Ritu. Disgusting, thick people with the sensitivity of a rock…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 09:36:50
Precisely that, Steve…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 08:57:10
There are some truly loathsome people out there. Football really brings out the worst in some people I think. The booing of the Danish national anthem was appalling as well. And there is always a rise in domestic violence following an England game, whether or not we win. While I enjoy watching, and my sons all play, I hate the effect that it has on so many people. I honestly don’t think I’ll look forward to an England game again, or to another big tournament. The aftermath is not worth it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 09:00:06
I much prefer that Lil Man is cricket obsessed!
LikeLike
Jul 18, 2021 @ 08:55:19
I absolutely despair of the human race… and at times like these, I wish I didn’t belong to it…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 08:59:29
It makes you ashamed, doesn’t it?
LikeLike
Jul 18, 2021 @ 19:59:15
It really does…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 07:12:34
Football fans and racism have always gone hand in hand around the world its time that clubs, police and social media all got together and banned them or terminated their subscription or prosecuted them if everyone united against this with tough no-nonsense measures it would stop..failing that maybe the football players should terminate their game and refuse play that would shake up a few of them including those who could put a stop to it…rant over ..That’s my solution time to stop pussyfooting about x
LikeLiked by 3 people
Jul 18, 2021 @ 08:10:02
There are so many ideas out there. But the ones that might make a difference, are never used, Carol.
The government now say they will ban anyone found to be using racism online, from games. How will they police that?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jul 18, 2021 @ 08:32:32
They can’t, Ritu everyone needs to work together its the only way…It can only get worse not better unfortunately …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 08:38:00
And this is such a sadness…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jul 18, 2021 @ 06:53:19
What a world! Disgusting behavior! I’m pretty passionate about my sports, but I would never think about heckling or badmouthing a player for a misstep. Maybe if they were lazy, but how can we get mad at people who are trying their best?
LikeLiked by 3 people
Jul 18, 2021 @ 08:08:02
Precisely. This is why this particular breed of Hooligan supporters are so vile!
LikeLiked by 2 people