WILLS: LET’S TACKLE THIS
Prince urges tech giants to help fight racism in football
PRINCE William is cranking up pressure on the tech giants as he takes on racist thugs who abuse football players, saying “enough is enough”.
The Duke of Cambridge called an emergency meeting with figureheads and campaigners to plan how a “multi-agency partnership” can end the problem.
In his role as FA president, William demanded a “root and branch” assessment of how fans and players can deal with racists, after a rise in “despicable” abuse.
He believes social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have brought people together but have much to learn about responsibility.
As part of the Royal Foundation’s taskforce on preventing cyberbullying, William united leading tech firms in 2016 to set up a code of conduct, called “Stop, Speak, Support”.
The first of its kind, it created support for children who feel threatened or lost.
A source said: “The Duke now wants to use his platform to bring these firms and campaign groups together to identify ways in which there is collective responsibility on the platforms to eradicate racism and hate speech.”
OUTRAGED
On Tuesday, William – an Aston Villa fan – spoke to FA CEO Mark Bullingham to discuss plans for an inquiry into recent abuse. He also spoke to Sanjay Bhandari, chairman of the Kick It Out campaign.
A source said: “The Duke said he was absolutely outraged at the abuse, he said ‘enough is enough’ and promised to do all he can. “William believes there needs to be more cohesion from the FA, the clubs and big tech companies to have as strong a stance as possible to end such hate.” The future king issued a public rebuke of racists after Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, 22, shamed thugs who taunted him on Instagram after his team’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal last Saturday. The England star said: “I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am.” Sources say William hopes to formulate his plans by the end of this season. Kick It Out said reports of discrimination rose 42% last season and fears that playing behind closed doors fuels online abuse. In the past week, police probed abuse of West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers, 29, and Southampton’s Alex Jankewitz, 19. On Sunday, William tweeted: “We all have a responsibility to create an environment where such abuse is not tolerated.”