HOUNSLOW Council leader Steve Curran has released a statement condemning the racist abuse targeted at England players following the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all received racist abuse online after they each missed a penalty during Sunday's shootout.

Earlier today (July 14), it was announced that those guilty of sending racist messages would be banned from attending football matches and tougher punishments will also be imposed on social media companies who don't remove harmful comments.

Cllr Curran said: "Like communities across our Borough and across the country, I have been appalled by the racist abuse directed at England players.

"There is no place for racism in our society – it must stop, and all those involved should be held fully accountable.

"As Gareth Southgate has said, the England team has been a beacon of light in bringing people together, and that togetherness has to continue.

"As one of the most diverse places in the UK, and home to premiership Brentford, we're very proud of our diversity and our football.

"We're clear that racism has absolutely no place in football and will not be tolerated in our borough. #OneHounslow."