Football banning orders will be extended to stop racist trolls attending matches for up to 10 years

Football banning orders will be expanded to include online racist abuse, according to the Prime Minister.

The nation has been united in condemnation of the racist abuse suffered by England players after Sunday’s game against Italy.

At a glance: 5 key points

– Speaking at PMQs, Boris Johnson announced that the football banning order system will be changed so that people found guilty of racist abuse online will be included

– Banning orders can be used to prevent people from attending all regulated football games in the UK for up to ten years

– Currently they can be issued by a magistrate in cases of violent or public order offences, but not online abuse

– Young England stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka faced a deluge of racist abuse on Instagram on social media after missing penalties in the Euros final against Italy

– Since then, the players have received an outpouring of public support, while the abuse has been condemned and a number of arrests have been made

What’s been said?

Addressing Johnson at PMQs, Keir Starmer said: “Why will the Prime Minister refuse time and time again – even now – to condemn those who boo our players for standing up against racism?”

“What is it that this England team symbolises that this Conservative Party is so afraid of?”

“Far from giving racism the red card, the Prime Minister gave it the green light.”

Boris Johnson said: “I repeat that I utterly condemn and abhor the racist outpourings that we saw on Sunday night, and so what we’re doing today is taking practical steps to ensure that the football banning order regime is changed, so that if you are guilty of racist abuse online of footballers, then you will not be going to the match, no ifs, no buts, no exemptions and no excuses.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel Tweeted after England players faced racist abuse on social media: “I am disgusted that England players who have given so much for our country this summer have been subject to vile racist abuse on social media.

“It has no place in our country and I back the police to hold those responsible accountable.”

Tyrone Mings, England and Aston Villa defender, responded to Patel’s Tweet, saying: “You don’t get to stoke the fire at the beginning of the tournament by labelling our anti-racism message as ‘Gesture Politics’ & then pretend to be disgusted when the very thing we’re campaigning against, happens.”