Lancashire and the ECB backing boycott of social media platforms

Lancashire – along with the whole of English and Welsh cricket – will join this weekend’s boycott of social media in a show of solidarity against racism and discrimination.
By Peter Storey
Published 28th Apr 2021, 12:39 BST
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The England and Wales Cricket Board will be joined by all 18 first-class counties, the eight women’s regional teams and the Professional Cricketers’ Association in boycotting platforms between 3pm on Friday and midnight on Monday night.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “As a sport, we are united in our commitment to fight racism and we will not tolerate the kind of discriminatory abuse that has become so prevalent on social media platforms.

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“Social media can play a very positive role in sport, widening its audience and connecting fans with their heroes in a way that was never possible before.

There will be a social media boycott this weekendThere will be a social media boycott this weekend
There will be a social media boycott this weekend

“However, players and supporters alike must be able to use these platforms safe in the knowledge they do not risk the prospect of facing appalling abuse.”

Daniel Gidney, chief executive of Lancashire said: “Lancashire Cricket fully supports the social media boycott across professional cricket in England and by many other major sports organisations.

“Whilst we appreciate the power and importance of social media in connecting with our supporters and growing Lancashire Cricket across the world, we have also sadly witnessed the vile and vicious abuse which takes place on those platforms daily.

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“This needs to change quickly and Lancashire Cricket now call upon the social media companies to be far more proactive in introducing filters, blocking and enhanced verification processes across their platforms.

“We also join our fellow club’s in urging the UK Government to understand the significance of this collective stance and to ensure that its Online Safety Bill delivers appropriately strong legislation.”

Meanwhile, football’s boycott of social media this weekend continues to grow, with broadcasters BT Sport and talkSPORT announcing on Wednesday they will be taking part.

The PA news agency understands Sky Sports is supportive of the boycott.

Adidas, which manufactures more than a third of Premier League kits, is stopping all advertising across its platforms this weekend.

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