Romelu Lukaku has launched a call to end online trolls and offensive comments towards footballers on social media. BBC Sport and Sky Sports joined forces.
BBC Sport and Sky Sports are strong competitors, but they have joined forces to make social media a safer environment. The reason was the many hurtful and racist comments made by the “fans” after England’s loss in the European Championship final this summer. Romelu Lukaku made a similar call a few days ago. He’ll be glad these two channels are working on it.
BBC Sport has issued the following statement.
Last August, BBC Sport launched the Hate Wn’t Win campaign, with the goal of making our social media spaces safer for everyone.
Since then, we’ve blocked and reported hundreds of accounts, and hidden or removed thousands of comments that violate our guidelines.
We have now teamed up with Sky Sports to promote zero tolerance for hate and abuse online to a total of 86 million followers.
In a video produced by broadcasters, hosts and critics including Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Micah Richards, Gary Neville, Ebony Rainford Brent, and Gabe Logan, they expressed their support for the campaign.
BBC Sports Director Barbara Slater said: “We are delighted that Sky has joined us as Hate Wn’t Win continues to show that online abuse is simply unacceptable.
“By partnering with Sky, we hope to spread more word that our social media accounts have a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.” Sky Sports Director Rob Webster said: “The collective impact of our organization together is a powerful moment to make a difference in online behavior and to show that hate will not win.
“Sky Sports and BBC Sport are reaching a huge combined audience and our message is loud and clear – that’s enough.”
