ANTI-RACISM campaigners gathered last night in Darlington to stand against the abuse shown to three black England players following last week’s Euros defeat.

A crowd gathered at the Arthur Wharton Foundation, in Drury Lane, for the event, which was organised by the Darlington group of Stand Up to Racism.

It follows racist abuse of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who missed penalties during England's defeat to Italy in the final of the Euros on Sunday.

READ MORE: Darlington mural supports England players after racial abuse

Liam Tuckwood, who is secretary of the Darlington group, labelled abuse levelled at the players as "disgusting". He said: “The reason we here is to stand in solidarity with the three black football players who were racially abused.

"There have been demonstrations up and down the country and we are trying to keep it in people's minds.

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"We have a lot of anti-racism history in football in the North-East and that's important.

"These are working class kids who are great footballers and they are getting unbelievable abuse. We've had a lot of good footballers who have missed penalties and free kicks and have cost England matches but have not seen a sliver of the abuse.

"This is because of their skin colour. We're here to stand up to racism."

Children and adults joined together to listen to several speeches before taking the knee in solidarity with the players.

Earlier this week, Shaun Campbell, who runs the Arthur Wharton Foundation, painted the numbers 17, 25, and 11 – the numbers worn by the players on the back of their shirts – as a show of support.

Addressing those who had gathered last night, he said: "We are here right now with young people who are future.

"We know our days are numbered but they can leave behind a legacy. There are young people here today in solidarity with the three young players – that means the world to us."

Northgate councillor Sajna Ali contributed some spoken words around the theme of healing.

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She added: "I believe education is key to breaking down anything and bringing people together.

"Ultimately it's all about the human race, regardless of background; where we're from, disabilities, the disadvantages we may have.

"We have to focus on being kind a bit more."

Tony Squires, of The Darlington and District West Indian Association, and Friends, who was among those to attend, said: "This isn't for us, it's for them and their children and to educate the children. It's another page in a long story."

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