Lewis Hamilton was quick to take a stand for the French footballers after they had to turn off comments on social media
Lewis Hamilton took to social media to take a stance for French footballers Randal Kolo Muani and Aurelien Tchouameni. The duo was subjected to racist abuses by French fans on social media after France’s loss to Argentina in the final. Kolo Muani and Tchouameni had to turn off comments on social media after the volume of racist attacks increased rapidly following the heart-breaking loss. Kolo Mouani and Tchouameni were specifically targetted by fans for missing two golden goal scoring chances in extra-time and tie-breaker respectively.
“Disgusted but not surprised. Tchouameni and Kolo Muani gave it everything. They’re heroes to so many and deserve nothing but respect”, Hamilton wrote on his Instagram story. The French duo along with Kingsley Coman received banana and monkey emojis on their social media following the loss in the World Cup final. Kolo Muani has changed his privacy settings and turned off comments on his Instagram profile while the Real Madrid youngster, Tchouameni has limited the comments on his account.
Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton is the first and only Black driver in Formula One. Over the years, he has become an inspirational figure both on and off the track. He’s become a major advocate for diversity in his sport. In 2020, he put together a commission to explore why ethnic minorities are vastly under-represented in Formula One.
It also needs a special mention that Hamilton has recently been listed as a Black History Month hero for his sporting achievements, along with his attempts to promote racial equality. Hamilton has ways been vocal about social causes during his remarkable career, with his efforts including supporting LGBTQ+ rights by wearing a flag on his helmet, as well as encouraging other drivers to take a knee ahead of races.
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