The following statement has been issued by Lee Bloomfield, Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association:

“On behalf of everyone at Manningham Housing Association, I wish to unequivocally condemn the abhorrent racist comments and rhetoric directed at black members of the England football team on social media following the loss to Italy.

“As a BAME association which stands for equality and diversity and against any form of racism or prejudice, it is critically important that public figures and public-facing organisations with the ability to speak out against such appalling behaviour now take a stand.

“Turning a blind eye to unashamed racism will lead our country towards an abyss.     

“Instead, a spotlight must be shone on this cancer and those individuals who have committed crimes of hate must be harshly dealt with by the criminal law.

“I implore the Government, the police and social media platforms to work together to identify the perpetrators and bring them swiftly to justice so we can have faith that this disgusting behaviour will not be tolerated now or at any time in the future within our borders.”