The youth coach was one of hundreds who sent racist messages to the Man United star among other England players
A 50-year-old man and football youth coach has been arrested in Powick, near Worcester, after sending a racist tweet directed at Marcus Rashford.
Rashford is one of several Black England players, including Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who received online abuse after they missed their penalties during England’s penalty shoot-out against Italy.
? BREAKING ?
Police have arrested and released a 50 year old man after a racist tweet was aimed at Marcus Rashford pic.twitter.com/yg69Xbxzvd
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 13, 2021
As you can see, the as-yet-unnamed man has been released under investigation by West Mercia and Worcester Police as they continue to look into the situation.
Messages of love and support have been pouring in for Rashford following the torrent of hate, as not only did he receive abuse on social media, but his mural in Withington was also defaced.
The love for you will always win.
You're our hero, @MarcusRashford ❤️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/duvXi6qjCM
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 13, 2021
Thankfully, the work has since been fixed by the original artist but the continued lack of action over online abuse and casual racism in the UK continues to be examined.
Worcester Police have thanked and continued to urge people to report incidents of racism like this and have said they will keep working with the local football community and clubs to ensure that this unacceptable behaviour is dealt with.