Marcus Rashford mural defaced after Man Utd star’s penalty miss in England Euro 2020 defeat
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Gareth Southgate says Bukayo Saka will be protected
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A mural dedicated to Marcus Rashford was vandalised less than an hour after England’s loss in the Euro 2020 final.
The Three Lions fell at the final hurdle as they were undone by Italy in a penalty shootout.
Rashford, who was rarely used by Gareth Southgate during the tournament, came on late in extra-time and took the third spot kick.
His effort hit the post however and England would go on to miss their next two efforts.
Rashford has been a hugely influential figure away from football over the past 18 months, earning huge plaudits for his efforts in combating child food poverty.
A portrait of the Manchester United star can be found near Copson Street in the centre of a south Manchester suburb on the wall of the Coffee House Café.
However graffiti has been thrown across the artwork.
Jadon Sancho, who is poised to become Rashford’s club team-mate, missed England’s fourth spot kick after also coming on as a late sub.
Gareth Southgate took the blame for the penalty failure insisting the selections and order were his decision.
He said: “That is my responsibility. I chose the guys to take the kicks. I told the players that nobody is on their own in that situation. We win and lose together as a team.
“They have been tight throughout and that’s how it needs to stay. It is my decision to give him [Saka] that penalty. That is totally my responsibility. It is not him or Marcus or Jadon. We worked through them in training. That is the order we came to.
“What they have to know is none of them are on their own. We win and lose as a team. Penalties are my call. We worked in training. It’s not down to the players. Tonight it hasn’t gone for us.
“We know they were the best takers we had left on the pitch. Of course it’s going to be heartbreaking for the boys but they are not to blame for that.”
Rashford, as well as Sancho and Bukayo Saka, was subjected to racist abuse after the final defeat.
The FA was quick to condemn those involved saying they were “appalled” before adding: “We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team.
“We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.
“We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences.”