Teen jailed for racially abusing Marcus Rashford after England's Euro 2020 final defeat

A teenager who racially abused England football star Marcus Rashford has been sentenced to six weeks in jail.

Justin Lee Price, 19, of Grandison Gardens, Worcester was sentenced on Wednesday at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court.

The sentence relates to a tweet made by Price shortly after the striker missed a penalty during England’s shoot-out defeat against Italy in last summer’s European Championship final at Wembley.

Price had already previously admitted to one count of sending a grossly offensive message by public communication network at a hearing on March 17.

The CPS said he initially tried to avoid detection by changing his Twitter username.

He also denied the offence in his first police interview but later admitted to making the post.

Mark Johnson, senior Crown prosecutor for CPS West Midlands, said: “Price targeted a footballer based on the colour of his skin and his action was clearly racist and a hate crime.

“Those who racially abuse footballers ruin the game for all.

“I hope this case sends out the message that we will not tolerate racism and offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

CPS sports lead prosecutor Douglas Mackay added: “The UK Football Policing Unit’s internal mid-season report has shown a significant rise in football-related criminality compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“At the CPS, we play a crucial role in tackling these crimes and making our national sport inclusive and safe to watch.

“There is no place for hate in football and hate crimes such as this has significant impact on victims.”