Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) will join forces with Charlton Athletic and Charlton Athletic Women to take part in a social media boycott from 3pm on Friday 30 April until 11.59pm on Monday 3 May.
The boycott is in response to the ongoing and sustained discriminatory abuse received online by players and many others connected to football.
All of CACT’s associated accounts including the Football & Sports Development, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Early Help & Prevention departmental feeds, plus LGBTQI+ friendly team CACT Invicta FC’s accounts, will participate in the boycott.
Premier League, EFL, FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship teams will all take part in this weekend’s boycott.
An extract from a joint media release from authorities and organisations across English football can be found below.
“As a collective, the game recognises the considerable reach and value of social media to our sport. The connectivity and access to supporters who are at the heart of football remains vital.
“However, the boycott shows English football coming together to emphasise that social media companies must do more to eradicate online hate, while highlighting the importance of educating people in the ongoing fight against discrimination.”
Dr Michael Seeraj, Charlton Athletic and CACT’s Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, said:
“The continuing and persistent high-profile incidents of appalling online racial abuse are an everyday reality for many Black players, which has been further exposed and indeed amplified during ‘lockdown’.
“Despite this, social media companies have been incredibly slow to react, and need to be held to account. Football clubs and football players have some of the biggest social media followings. The boycott can play a vital role in keeping the ‘problem’ in sharp focus, sending a powerful message,and mobilising support. To achieve lasting change, we must continue to raise awareness about racism and discrimination. Charlton has a long tradition of fighting for equality – we stand united.”