Marcus Rashford: A love/hate relationship with Social Media

The pandemic of COVID-19 affected the entire world, directly or indirectly. The virus, which is still active, has had a lasting effect on our lives. Amidst all the chaos of the pandemic, the British government decided to end the free school meals voucher scheme provided to children from low-income families while the schools were closed.

Marcus Rashford, the 24 year old England and Manchester United player took to his social media platforms to fight against this decision of the government. Rashford spoke out against this decision of the government and forced the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to make a U-turn on their decision. He also spoke to the Prime Minister himself who ensured that a budget of 170 million pounds had been allocated for this project. He was also constantly seen providing and helping kids with food vouchers through his twitter platform.

Rashford’s usage of social media to give back to the community was a great source of inspiration, especially to all the young footballers out there. Children growing up, idolise their favourite football stars and try to be more like them. Rashford has set a stellar example for the next generation of footballers coming through. Nowadays, where we often see athletes getting caught on the wrong side of social media, Rashford provides a great example of how this platform can be used for the benefit of the community.

Marcus was regarded a hero for his efforts to help the children in need. He was honoured with the MBE ( Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Prince William. The people of Manchester also honoured him by painting a mural of him in Withington. He was a national hero, a young boy from Wythenshawe apart from being an amazing footballing talent who also had a heart of gold.

Things would soon change for the national hero, as he was about to witness the dark side of the social media web. Rashford joined the England squad for the Euro 2020 despite carrying a long running shoulder injury. Rashford played only 84 minutes throughout the campaign before coming on as a substitute in the 120th minute of the Euro 2020 final against Italy. England were in their first major final since the historic world cup win of ’66 on the very same ground, Wembley. Rashford was brought on for the penalty shootouts, where he went on to miss his effort. It was devastating for him and the entire English faithful as his new teammate Jadon Sancho and Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka also went on to miss their penalties resulting in a defeat for the three Lions.

It was understandable that the English crowd were frustrated and disappointed at the thought of a first major trophy for almost 44 years slipping out of their hands through such fine margins. But some of them took to social media to hurl out racist abuse against the three players who had missed their penalties: Rashford, Sancho and Saka. They were subject to extremely vile and hateful comments. The players, despite being devastated themselves had to go through a lot of abuse, from people hiding behind their twitter and instagram profiles.

Marcus, who had sought the help of the social media platforms to help the children was being called racist slurs and insults on the very same platform. Rashford’s mural which was painted in Withington, was vandalised. Following this abuse, there was a huge roar of support for the three players all over the world. People once again took to social media to show their love and support for their beloved young superstars. The locals were quick to react to it and poured their support for their player by covering the graffiti with flowers and messages of support. Rashford was overwhelmed by the support he received and thanked his fans for their relentless support.

We are in the 21st century and Racism still continues to be a cause for concern. How do we put an end to this? How do we move towards a better and more developed society? The UK police arrested 5 men on the account of racist abuse against the three England Internationals. While punishment is truly deserved for these men, these acts must be prevented from happening in the first place. People need to be educated and be aware of the issue. Another opportunity where social media can be used positively. Children spend a lot of time on social media as well. Making them aware of such things at a young age can be highly beneficial for their growth.

Many athletes of colour still face racial abuse, often by fans of their own football clubs. The Premier League and the FA have constantly been promoting anti racial campaigns and have continued to take a knee in all Premier League and England matches.

Football has always had an emotional connect with the people. Fans of football teams are often willing to go to any level to show their loyalty and support. But doesn’t the loyalty and support start with respecting your own players? Sport is a way to build equality, to have people from all backgrounds compete with each other at the same level. This should not be subject racist innuendos and agenda. Racism has no room In football or anywhere else.

Lastly, we should all be taking Rashford as an example of how to extract the most out of the positive spectrum of social media and learn from him on how he has managed to bounce back after the horrific incidents of the Euro 2020. It is down to us, when it comes to choose which side we want to be and for the benefit of the society and everyone else, I sincerely hope that it is the good side.