rashford
After the lost European Championship final, a mural by Marcus Rashford was smeared with messages of hate. Now the fans reacted to it.
Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were quickly branded scapegoats by some England fans. The young trio, which stands for the football future of the “Three Lions”, had thrown away their nerves in the penalty shoot-out. All three missed their penalties.
What followed on social media was a racist hunt for the three offensive players. A Rashford portrait in Manchester was not spared from this either. This was painted after the 23-year-old had campaigned for children from socially disadvantaged families.
Vandals had provided the painting with messages of hate, some of which were racist. But the bad news hadn't been around for long. Fans reacted quickly, instead taping over the graffiti with appreciation of Rashford's achievements – on and off the pitch. It says something like: “My Prime Minister”, “The Heart of the Nation” or “Son of Manchester”.
In any case, the 23-year-old striker was touched by the loving messages. “Overwhelmed, grateful. Words fail me,” Rashford wrote on Instagram.
The striker had already opposed the messages of hate beforehand. “I can accept the criticism of my performance. But I will never apologize for who I am or where I come from. I have never felt prouder than when I was wearing the England shirt and my family from the stands. I've dreamed of it all my life, “said Rashford.
