England’s Euro 2020 final against Italy on Sunday was marred by scores of ticketless fans trying to break into Wembley. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were subjected to racist abuse on social media. Ugly scenes in London’s Leicester Square and at Wembley before and after the penalty shoot-out defeat will also have damaged the nation’s chances of hosting the 2030 World Cup.
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand says there should be ‘consequences’ for England’s bid to host the World Cup if they fail to resolve the off-field issues. Former West Ham and QPR defender insists racism is not just a footballing issue but a wider issue.
More than 830,000 people have signed a petition calling for people who racially abuse footballers to be banned from grounds for life. Football League chairman Greg Dyke says it’s time for ‘bigots and uneducated fools’ to get in tune with today’s society. He also said those who don’t want to speak out about it and check these people are part of the problem.
A petition calling for England to ban racist fans from all football matches has been backed by celebrities. Rugby legend Phil Vickery, comedian Eddie Izzard and Katie Price are among those backing the campaign. Shaista Aziz and her friends under the name of the ‘Three Hijabis’ have set up the change.org petition. It reads: ‘As multi-racial football fans, we finally feel represented by this anti-racist and inclusive England team. We could not be more proud or inspired by their talent, bravery, leadership, and love for all’
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says ‘there should be no room for racists and bigotry in football or society’ Ferdinand has been campaigning against online abuse as part of BT Sport’s Hope United campaign. The defender was embroiled in a long-running racism saga after accusing Chelsea’s John Terry of abusing him in a match against QPR in 2011.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand says Gareth Southgate is the perfect example for anyone looking to change their outlook when it comes to social and racial issues. ‘Gareth’s a perfect example, of trying to understand and getting to understand a different culture,’ he said. The 36-year-old has spoken out against discrimination ever since he was racially abused by a black man in.
Gareth Southgate’s stance on gay rights has been ‘powerful’ for the England national team, says John Terry. ‘The camaraderie, the team spirit shone through for me more than anything. That togetherness, it expanded out into the masses of the nation,’ he adds. ‘If there’s anyone to model yourself on as a middle-aged white male, look at what he’s achieved by opening his mind and understanding different cultures’
Gareth Southgate says there will never, ever be an all-white England team again. ‘People need to wake up: our team is multi-cultural. I believe in this team, I think this will spur us on to go and do well in the World Cup,’ he says. The Three Lions face Costa Rica in their opening game of the World Cup in Brazil on June.
Tyrone Mings hits back at Home Secretary Priti Patel for ‘stoking the fire’ of racism. The Three Lions ace said the Tory minister had ‘no right’ to condemn the abuse against his teammates. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were subjected to vile online abuse. Ms Patel described the abuse of England’s stars as ‘disgusting’ after they missed a penalty in Euro 2020 final.
Mings had said prior to Euro 2020 she ‘did not support’ those engaging in ‘that type of gesture politics’ when asked if she supported stars taking a knee. But, replying to the tweet, the defender said: ‘You don’t get to stoke the fire at the start of the tournament by labelling our anti-racism message as “Gesture Politics” and then pretend to be disgusted when the very thing we’re campaigning against, happens’
Home Secretary Priti Patel said she ‘just doesn’t support people participating in that type of gesture politics’ The Home Secretary’s comments follow on from those of Tory peer Baroness Warsie. She said the Government needs to ‘think about our role in feeding this culture’ England captain Harry Kane sent his own message to those behind vile abuse by saying: ‘We don’t want you’ Mings’ comments come after Ms Patel dismissed the stance of England players in taking the knee.
Comments are closed.