LOVE BOMB
MARCUS Rashford said tonight that messages of support from fans on his vandalised mural had left him "on the verge of tears".
The England hero vowed he would "never apologise for who I am" after he was targeted with racist abuse following last night's heartbreaking Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.
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Vile messages were scrawled on a mural of the striker in Withington, Manchester just after his penalty miss in last night's gut-wrenching defeat.
But fans covered the vandalised mural with love hearts declaring the Three Lions ace a 'hero' and 'role model' alongside messages of support.
Manchester United star Rashford, 23, was one of three unsuccessful England penalty takers during the shootout.
Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho also missed from the spot as Gareth Southgate's men fell agonisingly short of Euros glory.
The trio were targeted on social media after their penalty misses with sick messages and monkey emojis.
Reliving his penalty agony, Rashford apologised for missing and praised his England teammates in a heartfelt Twitter post tonight.
But he said: "I can take critique of my performance all day long, my penalty wasn't good enough, it should have gone in.
"But I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from.
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"I've felt no prouder moment than wearing these three lions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me in a crowd of tens of thousands.
"The messages I've received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears."
He added: "I'm Marcus Rashford, 23 year old, black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester.
"If I have nothing else I have that."
Rashord also shared a copy of a letter sent by nine-year fan Dexter Rosier after his penalty miss.
The schoolboy's letter said: "I hope you won't be sad for too long because you are such a good person.
I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from
Marcus Rashford
"Last year you inspired me to help people less fortunate. Then last night you inspired me again, to always be brave.
"I'm proud of you. You will always be a hero."
Earlier, local residents had flocked to the wall to put messages of support on the plastic that covers the shamefully vandalised artwork.
Cops said they were investigating the graffiti on the wall of a cafe on Copson Street, Withington.
POLICE PROBE
Greater Manchester Police said they were told about the damage - which they described as "racially aggravated" - at about 2.50am today.
No arrests have been made but inquiries are ongoing.
Chief Superintendent Paul Savill said: "This is disgraceful behaviour and will absolutely not be tolerated.
"Greater Manchester prides itself on being made up from a number of diverse communities, and hate crime in any form is completely unacceptable and not welcome here in our city.
"GMP takes crimes of this nature very seriously and an investigation has been launched. If anyone has any information that could help us to identify this offender please do not hesitate to speak to police."
Rashford lived near the area with his family while he was growing up.
The mural was painted in November to honour Rashford's selfless work to feed poverty-stricken kids.
Rashford tirelessly campaigned to ensure children don't go hungry during the school holidays last year, lobbying the Government to continue feeding those in need.
He also teamed-up with charity FareShare to help dish out millions of free meals to the hungry.
Rashford's generosity earned himself an MBE - and he was immortalised with a stunning mural on the streets of Manchester.
The incredible piece of art is splashed across the side of a huge building.
The brickwork was painted jet black, with Rashford's face splashed on top of it.
This is disgraceful behaviour and will absolutely not be tolerated
Chief Superintendent Paul Savill
Prime Minister Boris Johnson hit out at racists who attacked England players.
The PM joined the FA and Met Police in slamming vile trolls for their abuse after the Lions were beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley.
Mr Johnson said this morning: "This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.
"Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves."
The Met Police has vowed to launch a probe into the repellent trolling.
The force said: "We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the Euro 2020 final.
"This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated."
RACISM SLAMMED
Meanwhile broadcaster Piers Morgan also spoke out in support of the players.
He tweeted: "When England’s players took the knee last night, I was pleased to hear loud applause drown out a few boos. Then our black stars get horrifically racially abused after the game.
"This is why they take the knee. This is why I support them in taking the knee."
Saka's club Arsenal released an emotional statement today after he was targeted.
They said: "Last night we witnessed the leadership and character we’ve always known and loved in Bukayo.
"However, this feeling of pride quickly turned to sorrow at the racist comments our young player was subjected to on his social media platforms after the final whistle.
"Once again, we are sad to have to say we condemn the racism of a number of black players.
"This cannot continue and the social media platforms and authorities must act to ensure this disgusting abuse to which our players are subjected on a daily basis stops now.
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"Our message to Bukayo is: hold your head high, we are so very proud of you and we cannot wait to welcome you back home to Arsenal soon."
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Manchester United - the club Rashford plays for and who Sancho is expected to line up for next season - also shared their own statement.
"Racist abuse will never be tolerated, for club nor for country. If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, act and report it," the club tweeted.
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Ex England star John Barnes says football can't solve racism problem on its own after Saka, Rashford and Sancho abused