'Completely unacceptable': Former Latics loanee Reece James condemns hate comments aimed at football players

Former Wigan Athletic loanee Reece James has spoken out following a series of online attacks against professional footballers.
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James, who impressed at the DW during a loan from Chelsea for the 2018/19 season, blasted such abuse as "completely unacceptable". He called on social networks to take action against anyone found posting hate comments.

His outcry came after Manchester United stars Axel Tuanzebe, Anthony Martial and Marchus Rashford were subjected to personal attacks, including racial abuse, on social media platforms in recent days.

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The former pair were targeted following a mid-week defeat to Sheffield United, while Rashford received similar abuse following his team's 0-0 stalemate with Arsenal on Saturday.

West Brom's Romaine Sawyers, and James himself, have also been targeted in recent days.

On Twitter, James wrote: "We all have a part to play in making this world a better & more equal place! Racism is completely unacceptable! Human is our only race! @instagram @Twitter @Facebook you must do more!! #notoracism".

Greater Manchester Police has also condemned the abuse in a statement which insisted tackling hate crime remained a priority for officers.

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A statement issued by the force said: "We are aware of a number of Manchester United football players suffering abuse on social media accounts between Wednesday 27 January and Saturday 30 January 2021.

Reece James during his time at LaticsReece James during his time at Latics
Reece James during his time at Latics

"Nobody should be subject to such abuse and it is deeply upsetting not only to those who suffer it, but to all those who come across this awful language too.

"These hateful words have no place anywhere in our society whether online or otherwise.

"A number of these comments have been reported to us and we are liaising with those involved to provide support and we will be investigating these crimes thoroughly.

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"Tackling hate crime remains a priority for GMP and we take these reports very seriously.

Marcus Rashford and his teammates were racially abused onlineMarcus Rashford and his teammates were racially abused online
Marcus Rashford and his teammates were racially abused online

"We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim, or witness of hate crime to report it at the earliest opportunity via 101, LiveChat or online. Alternatively you can visit www.letsendhatecrime.com.

"Always dial 999 in an emergency."

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