English Clubs To Embark On Four-Day Social Media Boycott Over Online Abuse

Players and clubs across the Premier League, English Football League and Women’s Super League will stay off social media from the afternoon of April 30 to May 3.

A number of players from the English game have been abused online this season and championship side Swansea City responded by leaving the club’s social media channels unupdated for one week earlier this month.

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has also boycotted social media in response to abuse suffered online by players.

Edleen John, The FA’s Director of International Relations, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, has said in an official statement: “It’s simply unacceptable that people across English football and society more broadly continue to be subjected to discriminatory abuse online on a daily basis, with no real-world consequences for perpetrators.

"This needs to change quickly, and we continue to urge social media companies to act now to address this. We will not stop talking about this issue and will continue to work with government in ensuring that the Online Safety Bill gives sufficient regulatory and supervisory powers to Ofcom. Social media companies need to be held accountable if they continue to fall short of their moral and social responsibilities to address this endemic problem.

"We have recently seen how powerful it can be when everybody is united for the good of the English game. We are calling on organisations and individuals across the game to join us in a temporary boycott of these social media platforms, to show solidarity and unite in the message that English football will not tolerate discrimination in any form."