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Man arrested over racist Facebook video posted following England's Euro 2020 final loss

A man was arrested after a racist video was posted on Facebook following England's Euro 2020 loss.

The minute-long clip, which KentOnline has chosen not to share, shows a man with a St George's cross painted on his face and wearing a Three Lions shirt rant about how 'sick' he feels after the squad lost to Italy.

A video has been shared online in which a man makes racist comments following the England v Italy final on Sunday
A video has been shared online in which a man makes racist comments following the England v Italy final on Sunday

He uses racist terms within the clip when referring to players Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, who missed their spot kicks.

Kent Police say the video was reported to them and a 49-year-old man from Folkestone was arrested on suspicion of a malicious communications offence.

Chief Superintendent Warren Franklin said: "On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 13 Kent Police received a referral from the national policing lead for Euro 2020 relating to an offensive video that had been posted on social media.

"Later that day officers attended an address in Folkestone and arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of a malicious communications offence.

"He was taken into custody pending further enquiries.

"Kent Police will continue to keep the national policing lead updated and will respond accordingly to any other similar incidents that may be reported to us."

The man was interviewed in custody and has since been released pending further evaluation of the case.

Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were racially abused after missing penalties against Italy Picture: Nick Potts/PA
Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were racially abused after missing penalties against Italy Picture: Nick Potts/PA

In the wake of the video being posted on social media, hundreds of comments have been left on a business page which is believed to be linked to the man in the footage.

It comes as the government says it will change football banning orders to cover online racism.

Following the vile deluge of racist messages Saka, Sanhco and Rashford faced there has also been an outpouring of support for the trio, with hundreds of fans gathering to leave messages at a mural of Rashford in Manchester after it was defaced by vandals.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I utterly condemn and abhor the racist outpourings that we saw on Sunday night,

"So what we are doing is taking practical steps to ensure that the football banning regime is changed so that if you are guilty of racist abuse online on football, then you will not be going to the match.

“No ifs, no buts, no exemptions, no excuses.”

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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