A number of high-profile footballers have suffered racial
abuse in recent months, prompting calls for tougher action from internet
giants. A coalition of football organisations including the English Football
Association and Premier League revealed they would not post on their channels
this weekend and the boycott has grown, with other sports bodies, sponsors and
broadcasters joining in.
UEFA said it would stay silent across its platforms this
weekend from 1400 GMT on Friday until 2259 GMT on Monday.
"There have been abuses both on the pitch and on social
media," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. "This is unacceptable
and needs to be stopped, with the help of the public and legislative
authorities and the social media giants.
"Allowing a culture of hatred to grow with impunity is
dangerous, very dangerous, not only for football, but for society as a
whole."
The Slovenian added: "I urge everyone -- players, clubs
and national associations -- to lodge formal complaints whenever players,
coaches, referees or officials are victims of unacceptable tweets or messages.
"We've had enough of these cowards who hide behind
their anonymity to spew out their noxious ideologies."
England Rugby said on Friday it was joining the action,
following a similar decision by the England and Wales Cricket Board and the
Lawn Tennis Association.
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