CAPE TOWN — World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has voiced his support for Marcus Rashford, who received racial abuse after Manchester United lost the Europa League final against Villarreal on Wednesday.
On Thursday morning, the Manchester United forward took to Twitter to reveal the number of abusive messages he had received online since after the game.
“At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far. For those working to make me feel any worse than I already do, good luck trying,” the 23-year-old Rashford wrote on his official Twitter account.
ALSO READ: Marcus Rashford receives barrage of racial abuse online after Europa League final loss
“Keep fighting the good fight @MarcusRashford, I stand with you my brother,” Fury, who is due to fight American Deontay Wilder in a rematch over the coming months, responded.
England expects but can Southgate deliver at Euro 2020?
Rashford receives barrage of racial abuse online after Europa loss
'It’s not a successful season’ - Only trophies matter at Manchester United, says beaten Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Villarreal win Europa League after marathon shootout victory over Manchester United
Gareth Southgate buys time with provisional Euro 2020 squad
Players views must be respected after Palestine flag display: Solskjaer
“Racism needs to eradicated all facets of life and sports. We go again, never give up,” wrote Fury, who describes himself as a Manchester United fan.
Rashford went on to reveal that one of his abusers was a school teacher, which angered him the most.
“I’m more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile. He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence…”
A Manchester United spokesperson said: “Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the online hate and abuse aimed at Marcus and other players on social media.
At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far. For those working to make me feel any worse than I already do, good luck trying 👍🏾
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) May 26, 2021
“There is simply no excuse for it and we utterly condemn it.
ALSO READ: Villarreal win Europa League after marathon shootout victory over Manchester United
“Manchester United has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and we encourage people to report it through manutd.com.
“We also urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this disgusting behaviour.”
IOL Sport