Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford joins forces with Home Nations stars to combat online abuse
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United superstar Marcus Rashford has joined fellow footballing stars from the United Kingdom in an initiative to curb online abuse.
Launched by BT, the initiative titled ‘Hope United’ brings together both male and female athletes in a bid to untie the nation ahead of this summer’s European Championships.
The initaitve will see footballers draw upon their own experience to educate the nation on how to protect themselves against abuse. It aims to educate them as to what they can do to make social media a better place.
The initiative will also feature in BT Tech Tips Content that includes free resources helping to give people the digital skills required to tackle the abuse.
Recent studies have shown that 1 in 10 people have received abuse online over the past year. The Hope United squad, managed by Rio Ferdinand and Karen Carney, consists of 16 players that include the likes of Jesse Lingard.
Speaking on the initiative, Ferdinand admitted that it is not easy to escape from the abuse. Working in media, he too has a fair understanding of the issue and will seek to tackle it head-on.
“My work, both on and off the pitch, has taught me that there is no hiding place from social media abuse.”
A major issue!
The Euros is a time when passions run high and the Hope United squad is keen to minimize unwarranted behaviour.
“Passions run high during big football tournaments and having seen the devastating effect that can result from online hate first-hand, it is more important than ever that sport unites to combat it.”
A number of players have fallen victim to online abuse in recent months. The likes of Axel Tuanzebe, Fred, Anthony Martial, Rashford and Paul Pogba were all subject to the same earlier in the season.
United too did their part by launching the ‘SEE RED’ campaign back in April to combat the issue. Football, along with many other sports, took a stand against online abuse by committing to a four-day social media boycott – led by the EFL at the end of April.
The issue has no quick fix and is more of a long-term initiative that needs proper investment in time and effort.
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Hope United squad
Managers – Rio Ferdinand & Karen Carney
Coaches – Robbie Savage & Eni Aluko
Players – Jesse Lingard (England), Jordan Henderson (England), Marcus Rashford (England), Gareth Bale (Wales), Andy Robertson (Scotland), Lucy Bronze (England), Demi Stokes (England), Trent Alexander-Arnold (England), Rebecca Sellar (Scotland para-footballer) Liam Palmer (Scotland), Ethan Ampadu (Wales), Dan James (Wales), Helen Ward (Wales), Jamal Lewis (Northern Ireland), Charlie Fogarty (Northern Ireland para-footballer), Lauren James (England)