LONDON, July 3, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- As England head
into the next stage of the tournament in Germany, EE, the lead
partner of the Home Nations Teams, has teamed up with former
England international,
Shaun Wright-Phillips and his
daughter, Raphaella, to call on all fans to unite in their support
for the team. In the aftermath of the first four games, pressure
has been slowly building from media and fans alike, so it's more
important than ever to be positive, reject the hate and inspire the
team to future glory.
Recent research conducted by EE, in partnership with YouGov,
showed that more than two thirds (67%) of adults feel sad, upset,
confused, disappointed, belittled or even angry when they see hate
towards themselves or other people. It is evident that negativity
can have a detrimental effect on people, and footballers are no
different in that respect. This is why EE is encouraging fans to
replace negativity with positivity in a bid to spur the
England players on.
EE is also asking fans to take more accountability for their
actions when emotions are heightened. When frustrated or annoyed
about other people's actions, a third (31%) of UK adults admit to
shouting at or about them, calling them derogatory names, mocking
them and using hateful language on and offline, amongst other
things. With only 7% of adults citing they are unaware of the
implications of their actions and abusive behaviour, there is a
huge opportunity to reframe these negative emotions in to the
positive. It's important given this level of self-awareness that
fans – as proud supporters – channel their passions and
frustrations into acts of positive fandom to not only ensure that
the England team is getting the
support they deserve, but also that a good example is being set for
the next generation, in and out of sport.
With two fifths (44%) of UK kids feeling sad or angry when they
see hate aimed at sports, and 7 in 10 (73%) disagreeing with the
use of hurtful language at sports events, it's vital that a
positive example shines through at a tournament so many are
watching to prevent future generations from copying and adopting
negative and abusive behaviours. This point is particularly
important given how malleable kids are, with the research revealing
that two fifths (38%) of kids aged 6-15 will copy behaviour of
adults, online and offline, if they see it is positively
reinforced, even if they think it's wrong.
Marc Allera, CEO of EE,
commented: "We understand the frustrations that come with
being a football fan. It's a game of pure emotion and that's why we
love it, however, it's more important than ever for football fans
to come together and show positivity towards the England team. We know from our research the
impact negative words and actions can have, so imagine the impact
of a combined, positive voice of support for our squad from across
the nation. Football is a sport for all and together we want to
create an environment that everyone can enjoy, plus a safer,
more inclusive society. It's moments like these that will help us
do that."
Former England
international, Shaun
Wright-Phillips, said: "This campaign isn't saying
you can't be upset or frustrated with the way your team is playing.
It is saying that there is a better way to handle it, a way that
can inspire the team and those around you."
Raphaella Wright-Phillips,
added: "We should all be kind and support each other no
matter what. That is what football is really about."
This is part of EE's 'Hate. Not In My Shirt' campaign. EE has an
ongoing and longstanding commitment to combat hate through support
for change, educating the nation on how to protect themselves
online and be good digital citizens and role models for the next
generation. This has come to life over the last four years through
Hope United and the establishment of the EE LearnSmart platform to
help make the online world safer for young people.
For more information on how to become an #EEProudSupporter, and
to learn how to stand with fans and tackle hate in football, visit
ee.co.uk/learn.
To watch EE's campaign film with Shaun
Wright-Philipps and his daughter Raphaella Wright-Phillips, visit
https://youtu.be/xAyb7p1rraw
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