England penalties: Troy Townsend concern for black England players who miss penalties – BBC Sport

There are “many out there waiting for a negative moment” such as a penalty miss to target England’s black players, says former Kick It Out chief Troy Townsend.

They included Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, who had earlier scored England’s equaliser in normal time.

Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – who are not in the England squad at Euro 2024 – were also unsuccessful from the spot, and the three players were racially abused on social media.

“Because it is a positive tournament at the moment – for results – the fans are behind the team. At crucial moments, they will show their support.

“But I do feel there are many out there waiting for a negative moment, waiting for an English player to miss a penalty, so they can go back to their social platforms with that whole negativity around the players who were taking the penalty.

“We have seen white English players miss penalties before but they are never targeted or described by the colour of their skin. That is what makes it so unique against those black players who took the penalties on Saturday.”

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand posted a message on social media with a picture of the five after the game.

He wrote: “Where are the racists now???? Probably still celebrating!!!!”

Townsend told BBC Sport: “They are waiting. Why do I say that? Because we have the information behind it.

“People will celebrate up until the last moment but, unfortunately, when something has gone wrong, as perceived in their eyes, they will target these individuals.

“The last Euros was the biggest scenario we have seen and some of the messages I have seen that were directed at players were absolutely disgraceful.”