Tooting & Mitcham FC to join 'social media blackout' to protest online abuse

Tooting & Mitcham United FC will be joining organisations across the sports world in a 'social media blackout' this weekend.

The blackout is in protest of discriminatory abuse that's prevalent in online social media spaces.

The protest hopes to highlight the need for social media companies to strengthen their policies and actions in tackling hatred online.

In a statement released from the club, they said:

"We recognise the value and power of social media to share news and connect people with our club but we joining the boycott with the rest of English football to emphasise that social media companies must do more to eradicate online hate.

"We believe they need to do more to prevent discriminatory material from being published, to identify perpetrators and bring them to justice.

"Tooting & Mitcham United FC and Tooting & Mitcham Community Sports Club is committed to promoting an inclusive environment free from all forms of discrimination."

Sky Sports, UEFA and many other organisations are due to take part in the social media black out.

Speaking to the BBC, Brighton forward Neal Maupay said: "The players get a lot of abuse online and we need to fight it.

"It's a good way to do it. It's good that we are in this together."

The online protest will be taking place from Friday 30 April to 11.59pm on Monday 3 May.

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