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Batson proud to see Saka star for England in wake of abuse
England's Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring during the Uefa Euro 2024, quarter-final match at the Dusseldorf Arena, Germany, July 6, 2024

ARSENAL’S first black player Brendon Batson has hailed the mental resilience of Gunners and England star Bukayo Saka.

Saka has been a key performer in England’s run to the final of Euro 2024, scoring the equaliser in the quarter-final against Switzerland to force extra-time and converting a penalty to help his team win a shoot-out.

Three years ago Saka received horrendous racist abuse on social media after he was one of three black players who missed penalties in England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy, but he continued to play brilliantly for club and country in the seasons which followed.

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