Stop politicising football

Before the England football team plays in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday we need to get one thing straight: who is allowed to support it?

Not, apparently, a woman of Ugandan Asian heritage who posted on social media her encouragement to the players before yesterday’s semi-final and then her congratulations afterwards. That was, of course, Home Secretary Priti Patel, whose pre- and post-match tweets saw a torrent of fury and bile directed at her by thousands of left-wingers on Twitter.

One of several elite ‘blue tick’ accounts to participate in the abuse, replying ‘Not now Satan’ to Ms Patel’s tweet picturing herself in an England shirt celebrating under the message ‘Just brilliant. Well done #ThreeLions Football’s coming home.’

Many others suggested people who wish to reduce immigration have no right to celebrate because eight of the starting eleven were said to have at least one parent or grandparent born overseas. ‘The squad shows us what we can achieve when we welcome diversity and celebrate those who call our country home,’ was the message shared by one user.