A three-day social media boycott has been instigated by English football with support from other sports. F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo are planning to participate in this boycott.
The governing body of English football, various leagues, and professional organizations are planning to avoid using social media from Friday 3pm till the end of Monday.
It will be used as a way to show protest against abuse and discrimination that professional sportspersons face online.
Apart from these, various key organisers of UK sports and media firms have also planned to join this boycott.
Lewis Hamilton was asked about his boycott plans ahead of the Portuguese GP, for which he expressed support.
“I haven’t made any plans but I think for me it’s clear that racism continues to be an issue,” he said.
“Social media platforms do need to do more in order to combat this, and so I’m fully supportive of the initiative.
“If me also doing it helps put pressure on those platforms in order to help fight against it then for sure, I’m happy to do so.”
On the other hand, seven-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo mentioned that he too was ‘considering’ participating in this boycott as well.
“Obviously if it helps, like all things, raise awareness and spread the message I’ll put it out there, and hold some with a bit more accountability for sure,” he said.
“I think that’s important. It’s like when you grow up, if you don’t have something nice to say then don’t say it at all and sometimes it can be that simple.”
Hamilton also disclosed that he had suffered discrimination on social media in the past and had to adjust how he spends his time there.
“I was subject to abuse a long time ago at a time when I was younger, when I was reading social media like many people do, trying to engage with people,” said Hamilton.
“But there was a period of time where I had to understand that we can’t read every comment that is on there and you can’t take it personally. If you let those things get to you it can ruin your day.
“I took a period of time where I stepped a lot back from it and generally don’t go searching for that stuff, or for validation.
“I don’t feel like I need validation, I know I’ve got amazing support from many fans that follow me and I’m super grateful for the support I do get.
“I do believe that social media companies need to do more. They’re able to take steps in helping create an anti-racist society, that’s what we’ve really got to be pushing toward.
“I don’t know all the details, but I’m really proud to hear that there are so many organizations getting involved.” he concluded.
Do you think Formula 1 should also participate in this boycott? Let us know in the comments below!
Read More: Money, comfort and freedom: Why Mercedes employees are jumping ship to join Red Bull