- Prince William has condemned the racist abuse recieved by England's Black soccer players following their Euro 2020 final loss.
- "It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now," he said in a statement on Twitter.
- Fans have since criticised the tweet, noting the royal family was silent when Meghan Markle spoke out about experiencing racism within the firm.
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince George attended the Euro 2020 final on Sunday, with the Duke of Cambridge sharing a few words with the team following their loss.
"You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves — I know there's more to come," he said.
Since, he's released a second statement following unrest in the UK as soccer fans lashed out against the team's Black players, blaming them for the loss.
"I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night's match," he said on Twitter. "It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable."
I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 12, 2021
It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W
The tweet, however, received criticism from the public noting the royal family's silence after Meghan Markle experienced racism within the firm, which she and Prince Harry spoke candidly about during their interview with Oprah earlier this year. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who exited the fim in January 2020, even shared the family's concern for their son, Archie's skin colour.
"Whilst I appreciate Prince William speaking out about racist comments towards football players, where was this support when Meghan Markle was being bullied, even contemplating ending her life due to the comments," one Twitter user asked, while another said: "The Black community would have welcomed this statement from William had he condemned racism against Meghan as he's the future king."
The black community would have welcomed this statement from William had he condemned racism against Meghan as he’s the future king and also released his transformation report and condemned racism in the UK. He loves the football players but not their people and heritage.
— Ruu (@RumoKb) July 12, 2021