Jenson Button, Gary Lineker, Kelly Cates, Alan Shearer, Gary Neville, Micah Richards, Gabby Logan, Ebony-Rainford-Brent, Jamie Carragher, Jermaine Jenas, Jamie Redknapp and Nasser Hussain among BBC Sport and Sky Sports pundits in new video to combat online hate and abuse
Wednesday 26 May 2021 19:43, UK
"Hate and online abuse ruins lives."
The words are spoken by former F1 world champion Jenson Button but the sentiment is shared by the biggest names on Sky Sports and BBC Sport screens in a video collaboration that renews the commitment of both organisations to tackle online hate and abuse.
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and other famous faces from BBC Sport join Button, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Gary Neville and many more from Sky Sports in the new video which is aimed at individuals who post hateful content.
Hit play on the video above to see their united message.
At both Sky and the BBC, we love sport, and with that we love the rivalries that sport brings - but in this video - we set aside our on-screen rivalry to unite in the fight against a cause we both passionately believe in.
Sky Sports Managing Director Rob Webster says the power of a united voice sends a clear message to the abusers.
He said: "The collective influence of our two organisations coming together is a powerful moment to drive a change in behaviour online and show that hate won't win. Sky Sports and BBC Sport reach a huge combined audience and our message is loud and clear - enough is enough."
Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: "We are delighted that Sky have joined us in the continuation of Hate Won't Win to show online abuse is simply unacceptable. By partnering with Sky, we hope to spread the message even further that our social media accounts have a zero tolerance policy towards hateful messages. If we're on the same team, hate won't win."
Tony Burnett, Kick It Out CEO, said: "It's great to see broadcasters joining our fight to tackle online hate and using their platforms to help drive change. Social media has become a vehicle for inappropriate behaviour on a societal level and certain people think it's okay to send abusive messages.
"We have to make sure we create an environment where online abuse is punished and has real-world consequences. It's important that we remain focused on the welfare of those who play, watch and work in football, and receive abuse, and we will continue to offer our support to those who need it.
"We would also ask supporters, especially as they return to grounds across the country, that they support players in whatever stand they choose to take in the fight against discrimination. Football belongs to everyone."
Sky Sports is committed to making skysports.com and our channels on social media platforms a place for comment and debate that is free of abuse, hate and profanity.
For more information, please visit: www.skysports.com/againstonlinehate
If you see a reply to Sky Sports posts and/or content with an expression of hate on the basis of race, sex, colour, gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality, age or class, please copy the URL to the hateful post and screengrab it and email us here.
Online Reporting Form | Kick It Out
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.
