By Staff Reporter 
Jul 29, 2021
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CAPE TOWN – League One side Portsmouth have fired three youth players over their racism aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka after they missed decisive spot kicks during England’s Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.
Images of the chat were leaked on social media, which included racist language and monkey emojis aimed at the three players, all black, who missed their penalties, leading to Italy being crowned European champions earlier this month.
A Portsmouth statement said: “Portsmouth Football Club can confirm that the investigation – and subsequent disciplinary process – into discriminatory messages that originated from an academy U18 private group chat has now concluded.
“We can confirm that a decision has been made today (July 28) to release three players from the academy. These players do have the right to appeal the club’s decision,“ the statement continued.
“Portsmouth Football Club are fully committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination.