Sporting Organisations Boycott Social Media To Stand Against Abuse

Led by English Football and the Premier League clubs, many sporting organisations are standing united against social media abuse and support the social media boycott this weekend.

The coalition includes the ITF, IMMAF Football Association, Premier League and EFL, the boycott is joined also by the FA Women’s Super League, FA Women’s Championship, The Scottish Football Association, Scottish Professional Football League, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers Association, PGMOL, Kick It Out, Women in Football, Football Supporters’ Association, among others.

The social media boycott is taking place today from 15:00 BST on Friday 30 April to 23:59 BST on Monday 3 May.

ITF President, David Haggerty said: “Time and again we see the devastating impact that online abuse, threats and discriminatory language has on professional athletes, coaches and officials, not only in tennis but across sport. The level of abuse individuals are forced to endure is completely unacceptable, which is why we are joining this boycott and calling on social media companies to act now to protect individuals who are merely doing their jobs.”

ITIA CEO, Jonny Gray said, “We see significant numbers of messages from disgruntled gamblers, corruptors and others that get sent to players and they are shocking. Many contain death threats that cause real distress and long-term harm. Alongside our colleagues in the sport, we do our best to support and advise those who receive these messages, but social media companies could and should do more. They have a responsibility to their users to ensure that their platforms are not used as a tool to abuse or threaten anyone in tennis – or indeed, any sport.”

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin gave his unequivocal backing to the initiative, saying that action needs to be taken to stop the spread of hate and abuse online directed at footballers and those involved with the game.

“There have been abuses both on the pitch and on social media. This is unacceptable and needs to be stopped, with the help of the public and legislative authorities and the social media giants. Allowing a culture of hatred to grow with impunity is dangerous, very dangerous, not only for football, but for society as a whole.

“This is why we are supporting this initiative. It is time for football to take a stand and I have been impressed with the solidarity shown by the players, clubs and stakeholders.

“I urge everyone – players, clubs and national associations – to lodge formal complaints whenever players, coaches, referees or officials are victims of unacceptable tweets or messages. We’ve had enough of these cowards who hide behind their anonymity to spew out their noxious ideologies.”