The royal couple tweeted: “Racist abuse – whether on the pitch, in the stands, or on social media – is despicable and it must stop now. We all have a responsibility to create an environment where such abuse is not tolerated, and those who choose to spread hate and division are held accountable for their actions.”
They continued: “That responsibility extends to the platforms where so much of this activity now takes place.
“I commend all those players, supporters, clubs and organisations who continue to call out and condemn this abuse in the strongest terms.”
Manchester United forward Rashford said he was subjected to “humanity and social media at its worst” after receiving racist abuse.
The 22-year-old was bombarded with a string of racist messages on Instagram after his team’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal yesterday.
The England striker tweeted: “I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am. No-one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different.
“So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you’re just simply not going to get it here.
“I’m not sharing screenshots. It would be irresponsible to do so and as you can imagine there’s nothing original in them.
“I have beautiful children of all colours following me and they don’t need to read it. Beautiful colours that should only be celebrated.”
Greater Manchester Police issued a statement saying they were aware of a number of Manchester United players suffering abuse on social media between Wednesday and Saturday.
The statement said: “Nobody should be subject to such abuse and it is deeply upsetting not only to those who suffer it, but to all those who come across this awful language too.
“These hateful words have no place anywhere in our society whether online or otherwise.”
A police spokesman said a number of comments had been reported and that officers were “working with those involved to provide support”.
He said Greater Manchester Police would be “investigating these crimes thoroughly”.
Facebook, which owns Instagram, also released a statement after Rashford’s abuse.
It said: “We have taken action in this case by removing accounts and comments and are continuing to investigate.”
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