Hassocks are joining with football clubs across England by taking part in a social media blackout between Friday 30th April 2021 and Monday 3rd May 2021 in response to the growing online and discriminatory abuse suffered by those involved in the sport on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The FA has written to all clubs in the National League System asking them to support the blackout, joining governing bodies and organisations including the Premier League, EFL, FA Women’s Super League, FA Women’s Championship, PFA, LMA, PGMOL, Kick It Out and the FSA.
Its aim is to raise awareness of the issues surrounding online abuse and highlight the greater preventative measures required by social media to stop online abuse occurring. Players across football and many others connected to the sport from all backgrounds continue to receive sexist, racist and other forms of discriminatory abuse. Football uniting will highlight the need for social media platforms to do more.
An FA statement reads: “As a collective, the game recognises the considerable reach and value of social media to our sport. The connectivity and access to supporters who are at the heart of football remains vital.”
“Boycott action from football in isolation will, of course, not eradicate the scourge of online discriminatory abuse, but it will demonstrate that the game is willing to take voluntary and proactive steps in this continued fight.”
Hassocks FC will therefore be posting nothing on either of our Facebook or Twitter accounts during the blackout. You can continue to receive updates via our website, but social media will remain blank over the entire weekend.
