Social media accounts must mandatorily have names and faces: Moeen Ali on tackling racism

Moeen Ali, England’s newly appointed ODI vice-captain mentioned that he feels terrible about his teammate and good friend Jofra Archer for the racism he has faced in recent times. The fast bowler recently breached the bio-secure regulations after the first Test against the West Indies. This led to major criticism by fans and media. Moeen also mentioned the messages the pacer received were distasteful and no one should tolerate such racism.

Moeen Ali, who has left social media quite some time back, feels that it should be mandatory to put your picture and name to profile on social media accounts. Jofra is one of the most active players on social media at the moment and as per Moeen, it comes with a lot of hateful texts. This comes after the West Indies-born bowler faced racism in New Zealand as well when England toured the island nation last year.

“Jof is a good friend of mine and even though we speak a lot, it was tough to read he was struggling a bit during that period. My advice is always that tough times pass and is followed by calm, during which you can reflect and learn. And it has been a rollercoaster 12 months for him,” Moeen Ali wrote in his column for The Guardian.

“He is a very active person on social media and while I moved away from it a while back, I would never tell anyone to do the same. But it has to be said, I have seen some of the messages he has received and they are absolutely horrendous.” He added.

No one should have to tolerate racism: Moeen Ali

Birmingham born player also called Jofra a potential superstar of the game. As per him, the pacer is a good learner and can grow within a few games. Jofra has played 9 Test matches right now and has already picked 3 five-wicket hauls. The fast bowler has been a part of the team from the past 12 months only and is regarded as one of the future greats. Moeen believes that it is not about someone who is thick-skinned or not, nobody should tolerate racism.

“This isn’t about being thick-skinned. No one should have to tolerate racism. And I think people need calling out here. Maybe they should make it mandatory that social media accounts have names and faces on them. We should know who is saying these things.”

“He is only nine Tests into his England career, already has three five-wicket hauls and there is so much more to come. He is a fast learner and after 15 Tests, 20 Tests, 30 Tests he will have grown and grown into the five-day game. Trust me, he’s going to be amazing,” He added.