Associations, clubs, sponsors and athletes from across sport are taking part in a social media blackout over this weekend.
The blackout is scheduled to begin today at 3pm UK time, and end on Monday May 3 at 11:59pm UK time.
Here’s all you need to know about what is set to happen, and who is involved:
Why is there a social media boycott?
The boycott is taking place to combat online hate and abuse, and to encourage social media companies to take stronger action against such hate and abuse posted on their platforms.
It is in response to the “ongoing and sustained discriminatory abuse received online“.
It follows on from Championship clubs Swansea City and Birmingham City, as well as Scottish giants Rangers, taking part in a week-long social media blackout earlier in April.
Research by YouGov (commissioned by BT) shows that more than one in ten people, out of 4,000 people surveyed, have received online abuse over the last 12 months.
16% of all 18-34 year-olds have experienced abuse, and half the population have seen online abuse in the past year.
It also found that one in seven people believe those working in the public eye should expect abuse.
Who is involved?
Football
Premier League, EFL, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship clubs are all taking part in the blackout.
Governing bodies such as the Football Association and UEFA are also participating, as well as regional and national newspapers, some sponsors and a number of athletes.
The Professional Footballers’ Association are also involved, and have asked players to add “their collective voice and influence” in support.
Cricket
The England and Wales Cricket Board, first-class counties, women’s teams and the Professional Cricketers’ Association are among those who will be participating in the blackout.
That means that no coverage of the current round of County Championship action will be posted on social media by the accounts involved from the beginning of the blackout.
Formula 1
Several Formula 1 drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris have said they will be taking part.
Formula 1 announced they would not be taking part, before saying in a statement: “F1 is wholly committed to combatting any form of discrimination, online or otherwise.
“We support the actions of the Premier League and other sporting bodies and athletes in highlighting that more must be done to eradicate online abuse that they are receiving directly.
“However, we continue to work with all platforms and our own audiences to promote respect and positive values and put a stop to racism.”
Sky Sports are one of the broadcasters involved in the boycott, so no coverage of this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix will be posted on their social media.
Rugby League
The Rugby Football League, Super League and its clubs will all be taking part in the social media boycott.
There will therefore be no coverage of this week’s five Super League fixtures posted on social media by organisational or club accounts.
Rugby Union
England Rugby, Premiership Rugby and its clubs are amongst those participating in the social media blackout.
Other sports/organisations
Several major footballing sponsors will also join in with the blackout.
Barclays – the sponsors of the men’s and women’s top flight divisions – and England’s main sponsor Nationwide have all said they will take part, as well as adidas.
Major TV and radio broadcasters such as Sky, BT Sport and talkSPORT will be also be involved.
Major organisations from cycling, hockey, tennis and horse racing are taking part in the blackout.
We at SPORF will also be participating in the weekend’s social media blackout, and firmly stand alongside those fighting against online hate.
What is set to happen during the boycott?
All participating organisations, clubs, players and sponsors will be ‘silent’ on social media for the duration of the boycott.
That means they will not post any content to their social media accounts – although some have elected to post content relating to social media abuse over the course of the blackout.
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