English cricket bosses and Premiership rugby chiefs announced on Wednesday they would join football's boycott of social media in a show of solidarity against racism and discrimination. A number of high-profile footballers have been racially abused online in recent months, prompting calls for tougher action from social media giants. "This is the first stage of a multi-million pound BT campaign to step up and stand against hate speech and abuse on social media," Premiership Rugby said on its website. "Additionally, Premiership Rugby and all our clubs will unite with other sports including football for a social media boycott...This boycott is supported by the Rugby Players' Association." The weekend's boycott, also being implemented by the Lawn Tennis Association, follows social media blackouts by Swansea, Birmingham and Rangers football clubs in recent weeks.

Source: News 24 April 28, 2021 12:11 UTC