LEADING figures of Scottish football have backed a 24-hour social media boycott south of the border in protest at an escalation of incidents of racial abuse online.
The campaign launched by the English Professional Footballers' Association urges players to stay off social media from 9am on Friday morning after posting the hashtag #Enough.
Among those known to have supported the boycott in Scotland were Rangers stars James Tavernier, Jermain Defoe and Peter Lovenkrands the club reserve team coach. Celtic star Dedryck Boyata game his backing on Instagram, sharing the 'Enough' image.
Also supporting the campaign is former Scotland international and Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur and former Celtic stars Victor Wanyama and Charlie Mulgrew also tweeted support while ex-Rangers star Kenny Miller, former Hearts, Rangers and Hamilton player David Templeton and many more also joined in.
After several high-profile incidents this season, the English PFA encouraged players to stay off Twitter, Facebook and Instagram from 9am this morning until 9am on Saturday.
England and Tottenham defender Danny Rose was targeted with monkey noises while playing for his national side in Montenegro last month.
He subsequently claimed he couldn't wait for his career to end in order to escape racism in the game.
Commenting on the PFA campaign, Rose said: "I don't want any future players to go through what I've been through in my career.
"Collectively, we are simply not willing to stand by while too little is done by football authorities and social media companies to protect players from this disgusting abuse."
The PFA is encouraging players to post "#Enough" on their accounts before the boycott begins, with the organisation pledging to do "all we can to put an end to the abuse players face on the pitch and online".
#Enough
— James Tavernier (@James_Tavernier) April 19, 2019
We are making a stand against racist abuse.
We recognise that our platforms come with responsibility, and so we are using our voice to stand against racist abuse.
Together, we are calling on social media platforms and footballing bodies to do more! pic.twitter.com/AokSME2txe
#Enough
— Jermain Defoe OBE (@IAmJermainDefoe) April 19, 2019
We are making a stand against racist abuse.
We recognise that our platforms come with responsibility, and so we are using our voice to stand against racist abuse.
Together, we are calling on social media platforms and footballing bodies to do more! pic.twitter.com/4wshlSW1kJ
#Enough
— Peter Lovenkrands (@lovenkrands11) April 19, 2019
We are making a stand against racist abuse.
We recognise that our platforms come with responsibility, and so we are using our voice to stand against racist abuse.
Together, we… https://t.co/aHWGRCRpdP
Simone Pound, head of equalities at the PFA, said: "Football has the power to do so much good in the world. We must always try to use the sport's popularity and influence to make positive change.
"Over the last few months we have seen a rise in appalling instances of racist abuse at grounds around the world, and on social media. We cannot stand by while too little is done to address this unacceptable behaviour.
"The PFA has always been at the forefront of tackling racism and we are reaffirming our commitment to all of our members. We will do all we can to put an end to the abuse players face on the pitch and online."
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