What was written on Marcus Rashford mural? Artwork of footballer defaced with graffiti 'not racial' say police

A mural of footballer Marcus Rashford was vandalised in the hours after England's Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.

Rashford was one of three England players to miss their spot kick in the penalty shootout to decide the Euros winners.

He, Jadon Sancho and Bakayo Saka all received racial abuse on social media after the disappointment at Wembley Stadium.

The Withington artwork, painted in November in tribute to Rashford's work on child food poverty, was defaced with graffiti.

Since then the local Manchester community has come together in support of Rashford and his England teammates.

The mural became a colourful tribute to the England and Manchester United footballer, as it is restored to its former self.

What was written on Marcus Rashford mural?

In the hours after England's Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy, graffiti was sprayed on the Marcus Rashford mural in Withington.

Several swear words were sprayed on the mural after Rashford missed his penalty in the shootout on Sunday 11 July 2021.

The words used were "not believed to be of a racial nature", said Greater Manchester police.

A police spokesperson said: "While the content of the vandalism is not believed to be of a racial nature, officers are keeping an open mind as to the motive behind defacing the artwork."

Officers continue to analyse CCTV footage from the area and forensic evidence from the spray paint used but no arrests have been made.

Supt Richard Timson said: "On Monday morning when we saw the damage done to the mural in Withington we were all left appalled, and we stand with the rest of the community whose solidarity against this vile abuse ever since has really shown the best of our city."

Where is Marcus Rashford mural?

The Marcus Rashford mural is painted on the side of the Coffee House Cafe, on Copson Street, in Withington.

Withington, a suburb of Manchester located around four miles away from Old Trafford, is where Rashford grew up.

After tackling ministers over child food poverty during the Covid pandemic, an artist paid tribute to work in the community.

Manchester based street artist Akse painted the mural in November 2020 and has since repainted the artwork.

The colourful notes are to be retained, recorded and if possible displayed, said Ed Wellard, who commissioned the mural.

Hundreds of people gathered at the mural on Tuesday night - 48 hours after the Euros final - for an anti-racism demonstration.

Rashford said he was "lost for words".

When the mural was initially done in November it included the words of his mother: “Take pride in knowing that your struggle will play the biggest role in your purpose".