Runcorn man arrested in connection with online hate crime following England football match

Officers have arrested a man from Runcorn as part of an investigation into a racist social media message, which was posted after the Euro 2020 final.

The 42-year-old was arrested on Wednesday 14 July in connection with the post, which was directed towards the England football team following their defeat in the final on Sunday 11 July.

The man was arrested on suspicion of displaying threatening, abusive or insulting written material that is likely to stir up racial hatred under section 18 of the public order act 1986.

He has since been released under investigation pending further enquires.

Mark Roberts, Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary and the NPCC Lead for football policing, said: “Hate crime in any form is simply not acceptable. The racial abuse aimed at our own players following Sunday night’s game was totally abhorrent and has quite rightly shocked and appalled people across the country.

“Those in the England team have been true role models throughout the tournament, conducting themselves with professionalism and dignity.

“I’m disgusted that there are a number of individuals out there who think it’s acceptable to direct such abuse at them, or at anybody else, and we are working very closely with social media platforms to trace those responsible for these utterly vile messages.

“I want to make it clear to anyone thinking of doing anything similar that you cannot simply hide behind a computer screen, using pseudo names to conceal your identity – rest assured that we will track you down and you will face the consequences of your reprehensible actions.”

Anyone who has been a victim, or witness of hate crime, is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tv/true-vision-report-hate-crime/ .