Rio Ferdinand tells MPs online hate is 'normalising' racism - BBC News
The former England was giving evidence to MPs and Peers about the government's draft Online Safety Bill.
SNP MP John Nicolson asks who the panel who would throw a banana or send money emojis to footballers.

"Sometimes it's young school boys ranging ages 13, 14 years old, sometimes younger. Or maybe an estate agent or a banker.

"Really it is from all different types. You can't just pinpoint one type of person from a certain particular background and say that is the actual stereotypical racist who's putting this abuse online or at stadiums or wherever. It's a very varied demographic demographic of people.

John Nicolson asks what lessons can be learned how to tackle it.

Ferdinand says the landscape is very different now.

"I think with social media, we've never been in this in this area, this time is very different.

He says anonymity online is "the big difference".

"The fact that you can be anonymous online, gives you a certain amount of power - it enables you to puff your chest out, and be able to really say what you really feel, especially compounded with the fact that there's no repercussions, at the moment".

In 2018, Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a banana skin thrown in his direction as he celebrated scoring in front of Tottenham fans at the Emirates Stadium. Image caption: In 2018, Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a banana skin thrown in his direction as he celebrated scoring in front of Tottenham fans at the Emirates Stadium.