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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Anthony France

Qatar 2022: England star Bukayo Saka opens up about blocking out online hate

Beats by Dre is unveiling a new campaign, ‘Defy the Noise’

(Picture: Beats by Dre)

England and Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka has spoken about how he blocks out online hate ahead of the World Cup.

The 21-year-old forward was among players subjected to a barrage of abuse after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootout defeat to Italy. Four men were convicted over abuse online.

Ealing-born Saka is expected to be named on Thursday in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar 2022.

He said of dealing with social media pressure: “I don’t read too much into it. I also have good people around me who are so supportive but I also trust them to tell me when I need to do better and I think that’s why they are so valuable to me.”

Beats by Dre is unveiling a new campaign “Defy the Noise” (Beats by Dre)

Saka adds he’s “moved every day” by the love received from true supporters.

He says: “It gives me incredible motivation to give 110 per cent on the pitch to repay them and show how grateful I am to have them supporting me.”

The short film highlights star footballer Bukayo Saka (Beats by Dre)

Saka appears in Beats by Dre’s new campaign, “Defy the Noise”, shedding light on the overwhelming pressure, expectation and criticism some stars face off the pitch.

A short film accompanying it holds up a mirror to society, exposing just how harsh and polarising social media can be for footballers preparing for the biggest tournament in their careers.

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