More organisations support football’s boycott of platforms as news publishers highlight concerns
Efforts aimed at stamping out racism and discrimination on social media platforms have gained momentum. Following the decision of English football to boycott social media over a key weekend of action, a number of organisations outside of soccer have decided to take a stand.
English and Welsh cricket will join this weekend’s boycott of social media by football clubs and players in a show of solidarity. The England and Wales Cricket Board will be joined by all 18 first-class counties, the eight women’s regional teams and the Professional Cricketers’ Association in boycotting platforms between 3pm on Friday and midnight on Monday night.
Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, said: “As a sport, we are united in our commitment to fight racism and we will not tolerate the kind of discriminatory abuse that has become so prevalent on social media platforms. Social media can play a very positive role in sport, widening its audience and connecting fans with their heroes in a way that was never possible before. However, players and supporters alike must be able to use these platforms safe in the knowledge they do not risk the prospect of facing appalling abuse.”
The ECB’s announcement came after broadcasters BT Sport and talkSPORT also said on Wednesday they would join the boycott.
Head of talkSPORT Lee Clayton said: “talkSPORT is proud to join the Social Media Boycott to speak up for those who have suffered real and lasting abuse on social media. talkSPORT’s social media is an important part of our multimedia offering with 5.6m followers across our social platforms. But now is the time to stand with the football community against hate.
He added: “Racism is of course a big part of this boycott. But it also spans sexism, hateful and hostile content, discrimination and general abuse too. As a station we are taking steps to protect our own presenters from abuse from social media trolls and this is an important statement that online hate will not be tolerated.”
A coalition of football organisations including the Football Association and Premier League revealed they would go silent on their channels from 1400 GMT on Friday until 2259 GMT on Monday.
A number of high-profile footballers have been racially abused online in recent months, prompting calls for tougher action from social media giants.
Broadcasters BT Sport and Talksport have announced they will be taking part in the protest along with Adidas, which manufactures more than a third of Premier League kits.
The England and Wales Cricket Board will be joined by all 18 first-class counties and the MCC in boycotting the platforms.
“As a sport, we are united in our commitment to fight racism and we will not tolerate the kind of discriminatory abuse that has become so prevalent on social media platforms,” said ECB chief executive Tom Harrison.
“Social media can play a very positive role in sport, widening its audience and connecting fans with their heroes in a way that was never possible before.
“However, players and supporters alike must be able to use these platforms safe in the knowledge they do not risk the prospect of facing appalling abuse.”
The weekend’s boycott, also being implemented by the Lawn Tennis Association, follows social media blackouts by Swansea, Birmingham and Rangers football clubs in recent weeks.
German Bundesliga club Hoffenheim said on Monday they would also be joining the boycott.
