Leah Williamson addressed online abuse players suffer during her presser for the Lionesses yesterday. [Thread]

“We all stand together in terms of our viewpoint on it and how unacceptable it is. I think a lot of the team would join collective action if that was deemed to be the most effective because something needs to change.”

We echo that social media platforms @Twitter @instagram must take responsibility and measures must be put in place to stop this happening. It is far too easy to hide behind a screen and send abusive comments on the web and it is simply not good enough.

However, we also recognise that this abuse does not just occur online. Recent incidents in the NWSL confirm that there is STILL a racial stigma within the sport. https://twitter.com/sarahlgorden/status/1380881615107276804">https://twitter.com/sarahlgor...

We urge @HoustonDash and the @NWSL to throughly investigate the recent racial incident and to take appropriate action against the perpetrator. To work to re-establish the very foundations of the league with the intent to irradiate racist action, comments and occurrences.

Regardless of race, sexuality, gender or nationality, football and its subsequent physical and online spaces should be safe. Places that players, coaches, staff, and supporters are able to frequent without fear of discrimination or judgement. Football is for everyone.