Portsmouth sack three youth players over racist messages
Portsmouth have confirmed that three academy players have been released after sending racist messages in a private group chat.
Images were leaked of the Snapchat conversation between the young players which included racial abuse aimed at England players Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka.
The racial abuse came after the Three Lions penalty shoot-out loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
The three players aforementioned all missed their spot-kicks and were subject to racial abuse on their social media pages.
Monkey emojis and other offensive words and images were used in the Snapchat conversation.
đź“°Portsmouth FC can confirm that three players have been released from the academy following the conclusion of a disciplinary process#Pompey
A Portsmouth statement said: “Portsmouth Football Club can confirm that the investigation – and subsequent disciplinary process – into discriminatory messages that originated from an academy U18 private group chat has now concluded.
“We can confirm that a decision has been made today (July 28) to release three players from the academy. These players do have the right to appeal the club’s decision.
“Portsmouth Football Club are fully committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination.
“We are part of a diverse community and are dedicated to promoting an environment of equality and inclusion at all times – both inside the football club and in our wider society.
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“We also continue to respectfully appeal for everyone’s consideration in their use of social media posts directed towards any of the club’s employees and any other external parties.