A mural of Marcus Rashford has been covered with messages of support after it was vandalised in the wake of England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.

Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho, who all missed their penalties on Sunday, were targeted with racist abuse on social media after the game.

The word “f***” was scrawled over the huge artwork, painted on the side of a cafe in Copson Street, Withington.

The words “s**t” and “b*****d” were also written beside the word “Saka”, referencing the 19-year-old whose final penalty miss gave Italy victory.

However, within hours of it being defaced, local residents had covered it with messages and hearts labelling the Manchester United star a “hero” – with another saying “Marcus for Prime Minister”.

And street artist Akse P19 has begun repainting the damaged sections of the mural that he created last November.

A crowdfunder set up to pay for repairs and keep maintaining it had raised more than £27,000 by Tuesday morning.

Another message of support posted on the wall read: “We stand with you Marcus.”

One, written on an England flag, labelled him a hero and said: “We’re proud of you Marcus. You’re a true inspiration.”

Referring to his campaign to help tackle child food poverty, another message said: “Thank you for showing us kindness and helping those in need.”

More England flags were posted around the mural, and fans supporting a range of clubs, took to social media to condemn the racist attacks against the player.

Rashford thanked fans for their support, tweeting: “The messages I have received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears.

“The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up. I’m Marcus Rashford, 23 years old, black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester.

“If I have nothing else, I have that. For all the kind messages, thank you. I’ll be back stronger. We’ll be back stronger.”

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were called at 2.50am on Monday to reports of the racially aggravated damage to the mural.

Chief Superintendent Paul Savill said: “This is disgraceful behaviour and will absolutely not be tolerated.”

The mural, based on a photograph by Daniel Cheetham and painted by Akse, was created last November in collaboration with Withington Walls.

It was reportedly commissioned in recognition of Rashford’s work to tackle child food poverty.

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