Marcus Rashford’s wall: How Love Overcame Hate

Marcus Rashford was one of three unlucky players on the England side who failed in the penalty shootout that culminated Sunday’s Euro 2020 final. By the time he left the stadium, he was certainly sadder and more devastated than the fans. But despite this, some of them began bombarding him with hateful racist messages on social media, while others took to the streets and destroyed everything in common with him.

The Manchester wall with a giant Rashford likeness on it probably took the brunt of it. The offensive graffiti initially covered only the black canvas. But people began covering the sad spectacle with heartwarming messages and hearts.

Some are shorter. There are words like “inspiration” and “hero”. But there are also longer letters urging the 23-year-old England international to be brave and determined on and off the pitch.

A touched Rashford thanked them on Monday night and wrote: “When I saw the reaction in Withington (the part of Manchester where the wall lies) I had tears on the edge of my eyes.”

Many fans used it as an opportunity to show their support for all three England players. One message read, ” Rashford, Sako, Sancho, we love you.”

What was originally meant to express hatred turned into the opposite in a matter of moments. An expression of solidarity, forgiveness and love felt by Manchester and the world.

Moreover, the artist Akse has already put the whole thing right.

Source: Twitter, Manchester United