A teenager has admitted racially abusing Marcus Rashford on Twitter after the Euro 2020 final, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
Justin Lee Price, 19, directed a slur at the 24-year-old Manchester United striker after England’s defeat in a penalty shoot-out against Italy last summer.
The tweet, posted on July 11, read: “@SzzOGz @MarcusRashford YOU F****** STUPID N***** MISSING A FREE PEN MY DEAD NAN COULD HAVE SCORED THAT”, according to a CPS official.
England's Marcus Rashford on the run up to his penalty during the shoot out following the UEFA Euro 2020 Final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday July 11, 2021.
Nick Potts
They said Price admitted one count of sending a grossly offensive message by public communication network at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
He initially tried to avoid detection by changing his username after the tweet was reported, the CPS added.
The teenager then denied the offence in his first police interview following his arrest, but later admitted posting the tweet when he was questioned by officers a second time.
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford reacts after a missed chance during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Friday February 4, 2022.
Martin Rickett
Mark Johnson, of the CPS, said: “Price targeted a footballer based on the colour of his skin and his action was clearly racist and a hate crime.
“Those who racially abuse footballers ruin the game for all. I hope this case sends out the message that we will not tolerate racism and offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Douglas Mackay, the CPS sports lead prosecutor, said hate crimes relating to football have risen significantly over recent years.
“Over recent years and months, hate crimes relating to sporting events have been on the rise. The UK Football Policing Unit’s internal mid-season report has shown a significant rise in football-related criminality compared to pre-pandemic levels,” Mr Mackay said.
“At the CPS, we play a crucial role in tackling these crimes and making our national sport inclusive and safe to watch. There is no place for hate in football, and hate crime such as this has significant impact on victims.”
Price, of Grandison Gardens, Worcester, is due to be sentenced on March 30, the CPS said.