Facebook says it has "taken action" against Instagram users who sent Marcus Rashford racist abuse online.
The England striker became the latest footballer to be hounded by online racist trolls following the 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
Humanity and social media at its worst. Yes I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am. No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you’re just simply not going to get it here 👊🏾
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) January 30, 2021
"I'm a black man and I live every day proud that I am," Rashford said in a thread on Twitter.
"No-one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you're just simply not going to get it here.
"I'm not sharing screenshots. It would be irresponsible to do so and as you can imagine there's nothing original in them.
"I have beautiful children of all colours following me and they don't need to read it. Beautiful colours that should only be celebrated."
Rashford abuse
Facebook, the company that owns Instagram, also released a statement after Rashford's abuse.
It said: "We have taken action in this case by removing accounts and comments and are continuing to investigate."
On Friday a spokesperson for Facebook told the BBC: "There is no place for racism on Instagram and we are committed to removing it when we find it.
"We know there is more to do and we will continue to work closely with clubs, players and football authorities to investigate instances of discrimination and collectively tackle this issue."
The abuse directed towards Rashford is not an isolated incident. His teammates Alex Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial have also been subject to hate comments this week.
While abuse towards West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers led to a 49-year old man being arrested on Saturday.
Greater Manchester Police say they are launching an investigation into the online abuse of Rashford, Martial, and Tuanzebe.
A GMP statement read: "Nobody should be subject to such abuse and it is deeply upsetting not only to those who suffer it but to all those who come across this awful language too.
"These hateful words have no place anywhere in our society whether online or otherwise."
GMP also added that a number of comments had been reported, that it was "working with those involved to provide support" and that it would be "investigating these crimes thoroughly".
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