Marcus Rashford highlights social media benefits despite backlash on platforms

Footballer Marcus Rashford has defended the positive impact of social media, despite of the criticism he endures on platforms.


FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Manchester City - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - December 12, 2020 Manchester United's Marcus Rashford Pool via REUTERS/Michael Regan/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Manchester City - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - December 12, 2020 Manchester United's Marcus Rashford Pool via REUTERS/Michael Regan/File Photo
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LONDON (Bywire News) - Marcus Rashford has highlighted the critical role social media played in his campaign to feed the vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said due to the positive impact of social media, the backlash he receives online is a small price to pay.

The Manchester United player launched a campaign to feed hungry children through the use of food vouchers while British schools were closed due to the coronavirus. His social media presence helped him to pressure the government into a u-turn on their food voucher policy.

On Wednesday, Rashford told the Financial Times' Business of Football summit, "Instagram and Twitter have given me the opportunity to voice my opinion and raise awareness, connect more with families and gain understanding."

Rashford has also been subject to racial abuse online, which he has spoken out about, alongside several other Premier League footballers.

He said, "It's a big positive to be able to make change,"

"There's a lot of negative things on social media, people like to highlight that but when it's used for the right reasons it should be highlighted too."

Last year, Rashford shared a personal aspect of his past on social media, he spoke out about how when he was growing up, his family often struggled to get by and often relied on free school meals.

Following his campaign, he was not only accused of interfering in politics but criticised by some Tory party lawmakers for apparently attempting to "nationalise children".

Rashford said, "I knew what I was stepping into but the campaign is much bigger than the effect it will have on me, I'm willing to take a bit of aggression from wherever it comes from," 

"I understood someone in my shoes was a target anyway, and whether I'm doing good or bad things people have opinions of me before they've spoken to me or met me. It's something I've come to terms with, it's part of my life."

(Written by Klaudia Fior)

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