“It is high time for a change”. In an exclusive interview with CNN, Romelu Lukaku calls on social networks to discuss with footballers in order to take concrete action against hatred and harassment online.
Racism, sexism and homophobia are ubiquitous on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Celebrities, like footballers, are often victims. In recent months, initiatives have been taken to tackle such online abuse, but the problem persists. Hence the appeal of Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea launches campaign
“I have to fight, because I’m not doing this just for myself. I am fighting for my son, for my future children, for my brother, for all the other players and their children… For everyone, ”Lukaku told CNN. “The captains of all Premier League teams should sit around the table with the CEOs of Instagram, with the leaders of the English Football Association and the England Players Union. We need to have a serious discussion on how we can solve this problem immediately. Not only in men’s football, but also in women’s football. ”
Lukaku’s club Chelsea also today launched a ‘No to Hate’ campaign, of which Lukaku is one of the faces. The “Blues” call on their fans to share photos that highlight the diversity of the Chelsea community and the role of football in promoting tolerance. Much like his teammate Callum Hudson-Odoi, Lukaku is one of the faces of the campaign.
“Social networks can stop it”
“At the end of the day, football should just be a game that everyone can enjoy. You cannot kill this game by discriminating, it must never happen, ”Lukaku said. “Football is fun and happiness. Our sport shouldn’t be an environment where you feel unsafe because of what some uneducated people think of you. As gamers, we can say that we are boycotting social media, but it’s up to these companies to take the first step. They have to go to the teams, the boards or the players themselves and find a way to stop this, because they can stop it. ”
You can help to stop hate on social media and you can also help yourself by visiting Meridianbet.