Bukayo Saka has spoken out for the first time since missing a penalty in England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy, claiming that he knew instantly that he would be targeted by racist abuse.
The Arsenal and England midfielder was one of three penalty takers for the Three Lions that missed their spot-kick, along with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
Both Rashford and Sancho shared their thoughts in recent days and now Saka has spoken out having been the victim of racist abuse online in wake of his missed penalty.
I knew instantly the type of hate that I was about to receive,’ Saka wrote on Instagram, ‘that is a sad reality’.
‘There is no place for racism or hate of any kind in football or in any area of society and to the majority of people coming together to call out the people sending these messages, by taking action and reporting these comments to the police and by driving out the hate by being kind to one another, we will win.’
Arsenal legend Ian Wright tweeted in response: ‘Love You’.
England’s official account added: ‘You should be incredibly proud of the role you played in our incredible journey this summer, Bukayo.
‘Sunday will not define you, there’s so much more to come. Keep your head held high.’
Saka was inconsolable after missing the decisive penalty which sealed a 3-2 shootout win for Italy at Wembley.
Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips immediately ran over to speak to Saka, who was seen in tears with his head buried in his England shirt.
In his statement, Saka added that he felt like he had let his country down for seeing his spot-kick saved.
‘There are no words to tell you how disappointed I was with the result and my penalty,’ he said.
England and Ian Wright are among the responders to Saka’s emotional statement made today
