Online hate: PFA commits to holding social media companies to account in comprehensive guide issued to players
Thursday 29 April 2021 17:49, UK
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to demanding a safer space for players online and issued a comprehensive set of guidelines on how to deal with online hate and abuse and how the PFA will support those who suffer from it.
The PFA are among the multiple bodies, including Sky Sports, The FA, Premier League, EFL, FA Women's Super League, FA Women's Championship, LMA, PGMOL, Kick It Out and the FSA, who will unite for a social media boycott from Friday through to Monday, as social media companies are urged to do more to eradicate online hate.
Ahead of this weekend, the PFA has released a guide to its members, outlining its commitments, as well as offering advice on ways to report abuse and manage online experiences.
"Social media can be a fantastic way to stay connected, and the PFA understands that many of our members use their platforms to uplift and support others and positively engage with their fans," it read.
"However, we continue to see high levels of racist incidents and other forms of online abuse aimed at professional players, despite the issue being repeatedly highlighted to the social media networks by players, fans and the PFA.
"We know from our members' firsthand accounts that online hate causes trauma, and a player's mental health can be deeply affected by online abuse.
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"The impact of the abuse can also extend to family members and impressionable fans, with many players and their families publicly sharing how isolated they felt following abusive incidents.
"The PFA is committed to holding social media networks to account and will continue to demand a safer space for players."
Among the guidelines, the PFA have committed to speak out on behalf of players, protect professional football players facing discrimination and ensure the player's voice is heard.
The PFA are also offering free, confidential support from a network of counsellors if a player experiences racist abuse, as well as representation throughout any investigation that might stem from an incident of discriminatory abuse during a game.
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Kick It Out is football's equality and inclusion organisation - working throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and campaign for positive change.
