England captain Maro Itoje has come out in defence of young Ireland lock Edwin Edogbo, describing the impact of social media as “corrosive”.
This after debutant Edogbo was subjected to racist abuse online.
Edogbo, born and raised in County Cork to Nigerian parents, was targeted on social media following his Test debut in Ireland’s 20-13 Six Nations win over Italy in Dublin.
The Irish RFU has since launched an investigation and disabled comments on a post showing the 21-year-old holding his first cap, captioned: “Our latest debutant”.
TEAM: Pollock handed first England start
Itoje, who will earn his 100th England cap against Ireland at Twickenham this weekend, did not hold back.
“It’s very sad on two fronts. Social media has been a force for good in many ways, but it’s been a force for negativity in a lot of other ways,” he said.
“I’d advise all top level athletes not to spend too much time on social media because it’s really corrosive, both from the negativity that’s on there but also what it does to our brains.”
TEAM: Farrell makes big call on Ireland flyhalf
Itoje, himself the son of Nigerian parents, believes the broader societal impact of online platforms is only beginning to surface.
“I think we’re going to see in the coming years a huge amount of damage that has been done to us as humans and as a society as a result of social media in terms of brains and brain development.
“Secondly, the stuff around Edwin is obviously incredibly sad. It’s something that no one should have to go through and it’s a further reminder that there’s still work to do.”
TEAM: Scotland unleash Duhan on Wales
Racism in sport remains a global issue. This week, allegations surfaced that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League clash. Prestianni denies the claim, which is under investigation by Uefa.
– AFP
Photo: @IrishRugby/X
The post Itoje reacts to Edogbo racism storm appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
