SALISBURY FC is to join the planned social media boycott across English football this weekend.

A coalition of English football’s largest governing bodies and organisations including the Football Association, Premier League and EFL will go silent on social media next weekend in a show of solidarity against racism.

The FA Women’s Super League, FA Women’s Championship, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers Association, PGMOL, Kick It Out, Women in Football and the Football Supporters’ Association will also suspend all use of their social media accounts from 3pm on Friday April 30 until 11.59pm on Monday May 3.

Salisbury said that although it "relies on these outlets", it believe that action needs to be taken to persuade companies like Facebook and Twitter to prevent the "far too prevalent hate and abuse that many are subject to on these platforms".

The club added: "In the world of football, we’re comfortable with regular banter and digging fun at each other. There is, however, a line that is crossed too often by social media users that rely on the luxury of anonymity to cloak their abusive content.

"Threats and hatred have become the norm for some and it needs to stop.

"We will still be active on our own website, as will the FA and other clubs taking part in the boycott. Say no to hate and let’s stop online abuse."

Companies 'need to be held accountable'

Edleen John, The FA’s Director of International Relations, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said:  “It’s simply unacceptable that people across English football and society more broadly continue to be subjected to discriminatory abuse online on a daily basis, with no real-world consequences for perpetrators.

"This needs to change quickly, and we continue to urge social media companies to act now to address this.

"We will not stop talking about this issue and will continue to work with government in ensuring that the Online Safety Bill gives sufficient regulatory and supervisory powers to Ofcom.

"Social media companies need to be held accountable if they continue to fall short of their moral and social responsibilities to address this endemic problem."

'Vessel for abuse'

Sanjay Bhandari, Kick It Out Chair, said: “Social media is now sadly a regular vessel for toxic abuse. This boycott signifies our collective anger at the damage this causes to the people who play, watch and work in the game.

"By removing ourselves from the platforms, we are making a symbolic gesture to those with power. We need you to act. We need you to create change.

“We need social media companies to make their platforms a hostile environment for trolls rather than for the football family.

"We need the Government to hold its nerve and keep its promises to regulate. The Online Safety Bill could be a game changer and we aim to help make that happen. 

"There should be no space for hate and everyone can play their part. If you watch, work in or love the game, join in.” 

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