Diane Abbott: 'There’s no excuse for Natalie Elphicke' after she sent WhatsApp to MPs saying Rashford should have spent 'less time playing politics'

Labour MP Diane Abbott criticised "there’s no excuse for Natalie" after a leaked WhatsApp message showed Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke sending a message to other MPs about Marcus Rashford's missed penalty.

The WhatsApp message read: "They lost - would it be ungenerous to suggest Rashford should have spent more time perfecting his game and less time playing politics."

Appearing on GB News, Abbott told Mercy Muroki and Guto Harri that "it’s appalling that Natalie should even think like that," adding that "Natalie should apologise."

GB News has approached Natalie Elphicke MP for comment, but has not yet received a response. However, she has tweeted that: "Last night I shared the frustration and heartbreak of millions of England fans. The team gave their all. Congratulations and onwards to the World Cup!"

Diane Abbott also criticised the racist abuse that England's football players have received after the Euro 2020 final, arguing that social media companies need to do more to tackle it.

"Social media companies should be prepared to report this to the police," she said. "They are making millions and they have more responsibility than allowing violent, racist, misogynist people to post on their platforms with no comeback."

Update: Natalie Elphicke has now apologised