Gambling firms join social media blackout in stand against racism

Oddschecker and MansionBet have pledged to switch off their social media channels this weekend in a show of solidarity against racism and abuse online.

The betting businesses will join a coalition of English football’s largest governing bodies and football clubs in going silent across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube between 30 April and 3 May.

The move is designed to raise awareness of the racism and abuse suffered by professional footballers and athletes online as pressure builds on social media companies to take action.

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— oddschecker (@oddschecker) April 27, 2021

Dana Bocker, head of integrated marketing at MansionBet, said: “We stand with our partners and all football leagues in their continued fight against racism.

“As a mark of respect for the clubs we sponsor and their players, we are proud to join in this movement,” she added.

MansionBet currently sponsors Championship teams Bristol City and Millwall FC, as well as Premier League side Newcastle United. It has agreed to cease all organic and paid activity.

In March, Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock spoke out about the abuse he has suffered online after joining the Magpies on loan from North London giants Arsenal.

“It’s crazy what it can do to a young player,” he said. “It didn’t affect me that much because I have a really good team behind me that helps me deal with this sort of thing, but for other people, it could be really detrimental to their careers.

“It’s hard to deal with it, unless you have a good team around you,” he added. “It’s virtually impossible. When you are on social media, it comes. They tag you or they message you directly and it’s always in your feed or in your face. It’s so hard to get rid of it.”

Trolling and abusing people on social media has detrimental effects . Understand that everyone’s human, nobody is perfect. Be kind.

— Joe Willock (@Joewillock) February 15, 2020