I support England players taking the knee.

It's unfortunate that a minority of football fans have booed the national team doing this at recent games. Gareth Southgate, the (white), England coach has come out in support of his players in an open letter to fans:

https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/dear-england-gareth-southgate-euros-soccer

All the other England players are completely on board. We live in a multi-racial country and the national team of our dominant sport is especially so. If the England players want to take the knee, then people should support them. For me, as a white football fan, it's about listening and showing respect to the experiences that minority people go through.

If people boo players who take a stand against racism, then that is showing a lack of respect.

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Ironicman · 56-60, M

Personally, I think social political/political statements on the pitch should be banned. The game must continue to fight equality and racism as they do but keep it off the pitch. It's become diluted and some players do it and have no idea what the knee stands for. If it continues maybe the teams will mimmick a person gambling on a slot machine and falling to their knees, hand grasping head in desperation.
Shame on the premiership generally and ITV (for Euro 2020) in continuing to advertise betting. In doing so they do nothing to prevent gambling-related harms. Too much money and greed in football and by allowing pitch politics only serves to further ruin what was once a beautiful game.

LordShadowfire · 46-50

@Ironicman One assumes you mean "fight FOR equality"...

InOtterWords · F

@Ironicman england players have received many racist attacks via social media, this is personal to them and not just about making a political statement.

If they were not getting such vile abuse I would say that it was possibly about politics but this has been going on long enough. The issue is now so polarising that it is time to take a stand. No longer is it enough now to be non-racist, the choice is this world is either anti-racist or racist.

Ironicman · 56-60, M

@InOtterWords I do agree the abuse, especially on social media, is disgraceful and unlawful. On the knee I stand tall with Zaha. We need to tackle Fakebook, Instagrim and Twatter. Funding and action and firm enforcement to fight the hate is what's required. https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-wilfried-zaha-is-first-premier-league-player-to-say-he-wont-take-knee-20210218

InOtterWords · F

@Ironicman its one thing to not wanting to kneel but it is disrespectful to boo those that want to

Ironicman · 56-60, M

@InOtterWords I agree but with the knee at Prem or international level the booing is from people who are either racist, misguided, or have no idea what the players are kneeling for or strongly oppose politically what the BLM stand for. I think the booing is awful, especially if the match is being watched by young children who may not understand what is happening. I think players should leave politics off the pitch and agree there is so much more to do off the pitch, 9n line and at stadiums so that players and spectators are not exposed to racism in any shape or form.

LordShadowfire · 46-50

@Ironicman What I'm hearing you say is you'd like to ignore racism for a while and enjoy your little game.

Ironicman · 56-60, M

@LordShadowfire not at all, if only you knew