Across social media, a boycott has been planned beginning 3pm this Friday and ending at 11:59 on Monday where leading clubs, players and sporting bodies will not use any platforms publicly as a protest against racist and sexist abuse hurled at players from social media users. Prolific footballers such as Marcus Rashford have called for “stronger preventative measures” whilst many have called for social media companies to require ID or not allow people to make multiple accounts. Not only would this reduce people feeling “invincible” behind this cloak of anonymity, but it could also mean that appropriate punishment or education could be put in place towards the people projecting abuse towards the players.

 Lots of big names have got involved in supporting the movement, perhaps most notably Prince William, President of the FA. For a prolonged period of time, we’ve been able to see his concern for mental health and wellbeing, through actions such as appearing on the BBC programme “Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health”. It’s not just William getting involved from the Royal Family, as the Cambridges will refrain from posting a picture of Princess Charlotte this Sunday on social media to mark her sixth birthday (which would be common practice for the occasion).

This blackout has not just been confined to football, however, as sporting bodies such as the Rugby Union, British Horseracing and British Cycling have all joined since it’s announcement. Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton also will take part and highlighted a key fact, that although this blackout will have some benefits, it “will not solve the issue overnight”. It could be argued that social media companies need further restrictions, that people need to be punished, maybe educated instead, however the situation is far from solved.