Arsenal: Bukayo Saka issues statement following the Euro 2020 final

It’s been several days since England lost to Italy in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at Wembley Stadium. Sadly, in the aftermath, Arsenal star boy Bukayo Saka and his teammates Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were subjected to horrendous racist abuse online after missing their spot-kicks.

While the online abuse was disgusting and shone a light on the continuing racial injustices experienced by athletes of color, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.

The backing for all three players on social media has drowned out the abuse, while many have assisted in exposing the sources of the hatred. The positive sentiments have come from fans near and far as well as other athletes throughout the world. Additionally, school children in the UK have written supportive letters to the players.

Understandably, Saka has taken a few days to sit with his thoughts and reflect on all that he has gone through over the last month representing England. On Wednesday, he released an emotional and eloquent statement in reaction to recent events.

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka issues statement following the Euro 2020 final after receiving disgusting racist abuse in the aftermath of missed penalty

It’s hard to believe that this powerful and articulate post comes from a 19-year-old. This is written by a teenager that just represented his country on the world stage and accepted the responsibility to perform at the highest level possible. Since the final, he has been subjected to scrutiny, intolerance, and racism. However, he has allowed the love and positivity to override the negativity.

Arsenal fans have seen this special player come of age. Now the entire sporting world has had the opportunity to discover the talent that Saka possesses.

Even more impressive, however, is the character and strength of self that Saka has displayed in the aftermath of a disappointing loss. He carried the weight of a country on his shoulders and has taken responsibility for his miss.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he has taken this opportunity to express his feelings and use it as a chance to ask for change. He poignantly asks that Instagram, Twitter and Facebook do more to prevent others from feeling the hate that he and his teammates have had to endure.

"“For those who have campaigned on my behalf and sent me heartfelt letters, wished me and my family well – I’m so thankful. This is what football should be about. Passion, people of all races, genders, religions and backgrounds coming together with one shared joy of the rollercoaster of football.“To the social media platforms @instagram @twitter @facebook I don’t want any child or adult to have to receive the hateful and hurtful messages that me Marcus and Jadon have received this week. I knew instantly the kind of hate that I was about to receive and that is a sad reality that your powerful platforms are not doing enough to stop these messages.“There is no place for racism or hate of any kind in football or in any area of society and to the majority of people coming together to call out the people sending these messages, by taking action and reporting these comments to the police and by driving out the hate by being kind to one another, we will win.“Love always wins.”"

Let’s hope that the overwhelming support that Saka, Sancho and Rashford have received will lead to change for the good.