Sunderland MP calls for Parliamentary debate after football clubs vow to boycott social media over racial abuse

The Sunderland MP has written to the Leader of the House to request that time be set aside for Members of Parliament to debate the issues that a social media boycott from football clubs raises.

It follows a coalition of English football’s largest governing bodies and organisations including the Football Association, Premier League and English Football League (EFL) which will all suspend use of their social media accounts from 3pm on Friday, April 30 until 11.59pm on Monday, May 3.

The boycott is a protest against online abuse, in particular racism, which has been prominent towards high-profile sports people in recent months.

Mrs Elliott, who is a member of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, has described the move as “unprecedented” and called on the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees Mogg, to grant time for a debate.

The Sunderland Central MP said: “This boycott is unprecedented in the industry. We have seen far too many examples of sportspeople receiving sexist, racist and homophobic abuse online.

"It is unacceptable and social media companies have been too slow to act in response to this widespread problem.

“I am therefore writing to you to request that parliamentary time on the floor of the House is granted to debate this important issue.”

Sunderland AFC confirmed in a tweet on Saturday, April 24 that they would “unite with the rest of English football” by taking part in the boycott this weekend.

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