MP calls for social media boycott debate

Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott has called for Parliamentary time to debate the issues which the social media boycott from football clubs is aiming to highlight.

The Sunderland MP has written to the Leader of the House to request time be set aside for Members of Parliamentto debate the issues that a social media boycott from football clubs raises.

It follows a coalition of English football’s largest governing bodies and organisations including the Football Association, Premier League and English Football League(EFL) which will all suspend use of their social media accounts from 3pm on Friday until 11.59pm on Monda.

The boycott is a protest against online abuse, in particular racism, which has been prominent towards high-profile sports people in recent months.

Mrs Elliott, who is a member of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, has described the move as “unprecedented” and called on the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees Mogg, to grant time for a debate.

The Sunderland Central MP said: “This boycott is unprecedented. We have seen far too many examples of sportspeople receiving sexist, racist and homophobic abuse online.

"It is unacceptable and social media companies have been too slow to act in response to this widespread problem.

“I am therefore writing to you to request that parliamentary time on the floor of the House is granted to debate this important issue.”

Sunderland AFC confirmed on Saturday that they would “unite with the rest of English football” by taking part in the boycott.