England prop Ellis Genge racially abused
England prop Ellis Genge was racially abused on social media just hours after Leicester Tigers lifted the Gallagher Premiership title following an thrilling battle with Saracens at Twickenham.
Skipper Genge and his teammates won the club’s 11th Premiership title after sinking Saracens 15-12, a win that came some nine years since they last won the league in 2013.
Freddie Burns’ drop-goal with 20 seconds of normal time remaining saw Leicester home. After the final whistle Genge, who is leaving for Bristol Bears next season, lifted the trophy alongside Tom Youngs, who tragically lost his wife to cancer early this month.
The loosehead took to Twitter to write: ‘Over the moon for this group to win something so special and share the moments with family even more so. Hope you’ve all enjoyed the ride, thank you Leicester Tigers for all you’ve given me and my family. Gengey out x’
Over the moon for this group to win something so special and share the moments with family even more so. Hope you’ve all enjoyed the ride, thank you @LeicesterTigers for all you’ve given me and my family.
Gengey out x
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) June 19, 2022
However at 2.26am this morning, Genge, who is of mixed race heritage, posted a disturbing DM from account. ‘On another note, think it’s important to highlight that this is still a massive problem, from a legit account too. Not here for a headhunt hence the black out, common occurrence and socials/law should come down on it,” wrote Genge, with a picture of the message from an apparent fan, who wrote which club he played for before saying he was looking forward to signed skirt.
On another note, think it’s important to highlight that this is still a massive problem, from a legit account too. Not here for a headhunt hence the black out, common occurrence and socials/law should come down on it. pic.twitter.com/fhydt5zgyk
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) June 19, 2022
This was then followed a minute later by the N-word.
Genge was inundated with messages of support on Twitter, where his 60,000 fans were unstandably digusted by the message.
A product of Bristol’s Academy, 26-year-old Genge made 28 outings before departing for Leicester Tigers in 2016. He is returning to his former club in order to be closer to family members.
Genge has earned over 30 England caps, gaining a feared reputation as one of the best young looseheads in the game.