EALING sports clubs will be joining organisations across the sporting world in a 'social media blackout' this weekend.

Among them will be rugby side Ealing Trailfinders and Hanwell Town football club.

The blackout is in protest of discriminatory abuse that's prevalent in online social media spaces.

The protest hopes to highlight the need for social media companies to strengthen their policies and actions in tackling hatred online.

In a statement released from Ealing Trailfinders, they said: "The blackout is to show our collective desire to end online abuse and to call on social companies to be better corporate citizens by clamping down on this abuse on their own platforms.

"Ealing Trailfinders has always been a club that doesn't tolerate any form of abuse or bullying on the pitch or on social media and are completely behind this campaign."

Hanwell Town said in a statement: "We are joining the boycott with the rest of English football to emphasise that social media companies must do more to eradicate online hate.

"We believe they need to do more to prevent discriminatory material from being published, to identify perpetrators and bring them to justice.

"Hanwell Town is committed to promoting an inclusive environment free from all forms of discrimination."

Sky Sports, BT Sport, UEFA and many other organisations are due to take part in the social media blackout.

The online protest will be taking place from 3pm today, April 30, to 11.59pm on Monday, May 3.