A MAN from Cheshirehas been arrested over a racist message posted on social media after the European Championship final.

The 42-year-old from Runcorn was detained by Cheshire Police yesterday (Wednesday, July 14) after an abusive post was directed towards the England national team following their defeat by Italy on Sunday.

He was held on suspicion of sending a threatening message, but has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Chief constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, said: “Hate crime in any form is simply not acceptable.

“The racial abuse aimed at our own players following Sunday night’s game was totally abhorrent and has quite rightly shocked and appalled people across the country.

“Those in the England team have been true role models throughout the tournament, conducting themselves with professionalism and dignity.

“I’m disgusted that there are a number of individuals out there who think it’s acceptable to direct such abuse at them, or at anybody else, and we are working very closely with social media platforms to trace those responsible for these utterly vile messages.

“I want to make it clear to anyone thinking of doing anything similar that you cannot simply hide behind a computer screen, using pseudo names to conceal your identity.

“Rest assured that we will track you down and you will face the consequences of your reprehensible actions.”

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were among the players subjected to racial abuse online after the trio missed penalties in England’s shootout loss at Wembley.