I am a black woman who has experienced racism firsthand. In 2000, I was beaten badly by a group of white men in an area that the police confirmed, had National Front allegiance. I was eighteen years old, alone and pregnant. I lost my baby soon after. Thankfully, I was later blessed with two children - including a son - and I have nephews too, all of whom I would never want to experience, what the talented black teammates of England's football team endure. 

The tabloids' racist targeting, including scapegoating players like Saka after only twenty minutes on the field, is unacceptable. Sterling has been a target of discriminatory press coverage for many years. These same media outlets claim to advocate for men's mental health, yet perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination without facing any repercussions. 

This hypocrisy must be called out by everyone, including respectable media outlets that should know better. Sign this petition to demand accountability from these tabloids and end their racist practices against our athletes! It's the same tabloids, doing the same thing, over and over.

When England win, the black players are British but when the team lose.....

Racism is rife in the UK. Always has been, and always will be, unless we demand change! 

The media should be prosecuted for hate crimes; there needs to be laws and regulations, specifically designed for journalism. Free speech is no excuse for bigotry and discrimination!

Standing up to racism, is not being a 'snowflake'. Journalism often has no boundaries, because there are no consequences and these institutions, thrive on the negative portrayal of people of colour.

Dr Kanayo said:

'Constantly pairing black people in the media with bad news, creates a conditioned stimulus, that black people are bad news'.

That's how deep the problem of racism is, and it's not one that will be easy to solve. I don't believe that we can eradicate racism entirely, but we can demand accountability and repercussions for those who choose to perpetuate hate and ignorance so blatantly.

These aren't microaggressions; it's everyday, normalised and accepted, hateful behaviour. Footballers aren't the only victims, nobody is exempt from certain media outlet's institutional racism. 

IT MUST BE CHALLENGED!

Thank you for signing. 

Julie