Racist abuse of heroes a national disgrace - NationalWorld digital front page

Gareth Southgate, the FA and figures from across the world of sports and entertainment have condemned the racist abuse which was directed at some of England’s young stars after last night’s heartbreaking defeat to Italy in the final of the European championships.

Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, have all faced a swathe of racial abuse on their social media feeds after missing penalties last night.

The Football Association (FA) have released a statement condemning the “disgusting behaviour”. The Metropolitan Police also condemned the “unacceptable” abuse, adding it will be investigating the “offensive and racist” social media posts.

The Prime Minister has condemned the “appalling” racist abuse of England players on social media after their Euro 2020 final defeat. Boris Johnson said the team deserve to be hailed as “heroes” following the Three Lions’ loss to Italy and not subjected to hatred online, adding that those who sent abuse should be “ashamed of themselves”.

The official Twitter account for the England men’s and women’s national teams offered support to the victimised players, saying: “We’re disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game.

NationalWorld’s Jason Jones says that, despite his condemnations, the behaviour of those who hurl racist abuse have been validated by Boris Johnson’s.

After England lost the shootout, he writes, “the saddest thing was that we all knew what was coming next.”

"Within minutes, a torrent of vile, racist abuse was doing the rounds on social media. It was inexcusable, it was completely illogical, and it was entirely unsurprising.

"Do you want to know why England players have continued to take the knee throughout this tournament, despite constant jeering from their own fans and a spew of criticism from bafflingly-anointed political commentators like failed thespian turned mayoral wooden spoon holder Laurence Fox and box room ventriloquist dummy Darren Grimes? This is why.”

Campers beware

Motoring reporter Matt Allan has the lowdown on a new law which could lead to motorhomes, caravans and campervans being seized by police.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021, which is currently going through parliament, would criminalise trespass and leave anyone who parks in spaces such as car parks, laybys or farmland open to fines, vehicle confiscation and even a prison sentence.

Overnight camping without permission is already against the law in England and Wales but is rarely enforced as long as campers don’t cause a disturbance or damage. Currently, anyone camping on private land without the owner’s permission is guilty of trespass, which is a civil offence.

However, under the new Bill, the offence could be criminalised, with suggested punishments of fines up to £2,500, a three-month prison term, and confiscation of the offending vehicle.

In documents relating to the unauthorised encampments element of the Bill, the Home Office insists that the new powers are intended to only affect people residing on land who cause “significant damage, disruption or distress”.

However, campaigners fear that the powers could be used more widely to move on wild campers and others stopping temporarily at locations away from official campsites.

Covid restrictions to be lifted on 19 July

Addressing the nation in a press conference on Monday evening, Boris Johnson confirmed that remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted on 19 July, as planned.

He said: “I can’t say it powerfully or emphatically enough: this pandemic is not over. This disease continues to carry risks for you and your family.

“We cannot simply revert instantly from Monday July 19 to life as it was before Covid.

"We will stick to our plan to lift legal restrictions and to lift social distancing, but we expect and recommend that people wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with those you don't normally meet, such as on public transport."

“We know we will see more hospitalisations and more deaths from Covid.”

Although, he said, we are currently in the “middle range” of the scientists’ modelling for levels of infection and in the “low range” for deaths.