Several bookmakers have announced that they will support the “blackout” of social media to combat online abuse. English football clubs, players and sponsors will stay away from networks to raise awareness and help eradicate the spread of hate on social media.
The boycott movement starts this Friday, 30, and will end on Monday, May 3. Among the brands that spoke were MansionBet, Flutter, Smarkets and BHA. As such, companies in the betting industry will join sports organizations such as the English Football Association (FA), UEFA and the Premier League to help combat racial hatred online.
Bookmakers support partner clubs in the initiative
MansionBet confirmed its decision to participate in the movement in a message on its official profiles. The company said it will join the “planned boycott of social media this weekend in a show of solidarity and the fight against racism and online abuse”.
MansionBet’s head of integrated marketing, Dana Bocker added: “We are with our partners and all the football leagues in their ongoing fight against racism. As a sign of respect for the clubs we sponsor and their players, we are proud to join this movement ”.
Smarkets will keep social networks idle for the next few days
In the same way, Smarkets also used its social networks to officially inform its adhesion to the initiative. The company said that all of its social media accounts will remain inactive until Tuesday.
In an official statement, Smarkets said: “Racism and online abuse have no place in our society. Smarkets fully supports and will be participating in the boycott of sports social media, starting at 3 pm on Friday, April 30, and ending at 11:59 pm on Monday, May 3 ”.
Also according to the statement, “we are in solidarity with the people affected. This is a crucial issue that requires real involvement by social media companies that must do more to combat unacceptable abuse on their platforms. ”
Flutter officially announces joining the movement
Another giant company in the betting market, Flutter has publicly pledged to halt social media interactions starting this Friday. In a post on the official profile, Flutter stated that “this weekend, we are supporting English football in the boycott of social networks”.
BHA joins the action against the spread of hate in networks
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the British Horse Racing Authority in free translation, has also formally positioned itself on the initiative, pointing out that “enough” of hatred is spreading across the networks and that “change is necessary”.
Premier League clubs step up fight against virtual abuse
Premier League clubs have also stepped up their campaign. Current leader of the English Premier League, Manchester City stressed that “this weekend, English football joins other organizations and sports to boycott social media and call for change”.
Seventh in the Premier League table, Liverpool were yet another team to join the movement in their official accounts. “We joined the teams in England for the boycott of social networks this weekend, in response to the frequent cases of discrimination and abuse suffered by athletes and others in football. Companies need to fight more hate online. Enough”.
Everton, of Brazilian striker Richarlison, also posted a statement defending collective action. “This weekend, English football joins other organizations to boycott social media and demand changes. We call for significant action to end the discriminatory abuses that many face on social media. Challenge yourself. Report it. Change it”.
Formula 1 drivers increase awareness campaign
Following the movement promoted by the players and entities of English football, some Formula drivers also decided to stop interacting on social networks. Therefore, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, George Russell, Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin have already announced that they will not manifest themselves on social media during the weekend of the Portuguese Grand Prix.
Seven-time champion Hamilton was the first to speak out. “In solidarity with the football community, I will not post anything on my social networks this weekend. There is no place for any kind of abuse in our society, whether online or offline. And it has been very easy for a small group to spread hate behind their screens ”.
He added: ‘While the boycott doesn’t solve the problem overnight, we need to ask for changes when necessary, even when it seems like an impossible mission. Sport has the power to unite us. We cannot accept abuse as part of the sport. Instead, we will be the ones who make a difference for future generations ”.
