Marcus Rashford mural defaced as racist backlash to England's loss intensifies
As the racist backlash to England’s loss in the Euro2020 final intensifies, an iconic mural dedicated to the life and achievements of leading striker Marcus Rashford has been vandalized with graffiti.
The expansive artwork in Withington, Manchester, was defaced with racial slurs and swearwords shortly after England lost to Italy in a penalty shootout on Sunday (July 11).
Rashford, together with Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, missed penalties and were subsequently subjected to vicious racist abuse on social media by disappointed England fans.
The iconic artwork, based on a photograph by Daniel Cheetham and painted by street artist Akse, was created in collaboration with Withington Walls, a community street art project.
The mural celebrates Rashford’s pioneering social activism and was commissioned in recognition of his tireless work to tackle child food poverty.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, has condemned the racist defacement of the iconic mural as a “despicable, shameful act”.
For their part, Greater Manchester Police said an investigation had been launched after the force received a report of racially aggravated damage at 02:50 BST on Monday (July 12).
Appealing for information, Chief Superintendent Paul Savill said: "Hate crime in any form is completely unacceptable and not welcome here in our city".
The intense racist backlash against black and ethnic minority players has once again shone a spotlight on the depth of hatred and racism in English football and wider society.
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