Entertainment
Victoria Derbyshire branded ‘treacherous c***’ as she details vile abuse after BBC News interview on England players taking the knee
Victoria Derbyshire has shared the vile abuse she received over a segment on England footballers taking the knee ahead of Euro 2020 matches.
Players have faced backlash by some of their own fans for raising awareness of racial inequality, with some loudly booing the team.
The presenter interviewed one of the booing supporters on BBC News earlier today – with a viewer targeting her with vicious comments after it aired.
Taking to Twitter, the 52-year-old shared a screenshot of a vile email, telling followers: ‘Interviewed an England supporter who booed the @England players taking of the knee, on BBC News this morning.
‘Got this email from a viewer – warning – there’s swearing in it.
‘PS shld say it doesn’t bother me in the slightest.’
The message in question read: ‘You evil witch. Biased you are. You’re missing the whole point about what taking the knee is doing.
‘It’s causing rage among the traditional supporters. I hope that you get cancer again you filthy treacherous c***.’
Fans were shocked by the email, and rushed to offer the TV host their support.
‘Victoria I’m horrified this is beyond words. All I can do is send you love,’ a Twitter user replied.
‘You’re amazing and don’t you forget it!!!! What is wrong with people.’
‘Jesus wept. What a horrid thing to say. I truly feel this person needs professional help,’ a follower suggested. ‘Hope you ok too. Hugs.’
‘The “traditional fans”, another said, with an unwell emoji. ‘I honestly don’t care who someone supports, just treat others with the respect you expect to receive back.
‘How someone can use such abusive words & wish a deadly illness on another. Never let anyone deter you from the amazing job you do, Victoria.’
As one replied: ‘For goodness sake…so sorry that this vile thing was said to you x.’
England will continue to take the knee at the Euros – which started yesterday – with their campaign to bring the trophy home kicking off on Sunday against Croatia.
Manager Gareth Southgate has vowed players will ‘ignore’ any further jeers from the crowd.
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