Gareth Southgate getting it right on rac
After England were booed for kneeling before their international friendly with Romania, Gareth Southgate revealed in no uncertain terms that his players would continue kneeling during the European Championship. The most important thing for our players is to know that we are totally united on it (taking the knee), were totally committed to supporting each other, supporting the team, he told .The 50-year-old condemned the supporters that booed, saying the national team were collectively disappointed that it happened while pleading with fans to put themselves in the players shoes, and its great to see him striking the right tone on this subject.By his own , Southgate had to educate himself to learn the true reasons
Aaron Donald T Shirts behind the kneeling and the history of racism in the United Kingdom, and now hes calling on people to talk about white privilege.Southgate was honest about getting the Middlesbrough job when he probably wasnt qualified or ready for the role in 2006 and admitted a black former player may not have been so fortunate in his shoes.I know I got an opportunity at Middlesbrough when I wasnt qualified, he . That came because I had worked at the club and the owner knew me.But I couldnt say that opportunity would have been there for
Jake Funk Jersey somebody else. And I think we are all very conscious of it, This isnt how England managers usually talk, but Southgates bold comments show the FA were right to trust him. His players should have a lot of respect for him too, as hes not shied away from speaking his mind on divisive topics and hasnt been swayed by disgruntled fans. Long may that continue.Southgate has a number of black and mixed raced players in his 26-man squad for the Euros and would be doing them a di service if he wasnt publicly supporting them. Its just sad that spectators fans dont follow.Southgate has been on point with about before too. In 2018, he was asked about his players potentially suffering abuse by supporters in the Ru sian World Cup and the UK needs to get its own house in order before pointing fingers. His comments were unfortunately ignored.When England players were on the end of racial abuse in 2019s win over Bulgaria, Southgate the po sibility of his players
David Long Jr. Jersey leaving the pitch and has called for tougher punishments for offenders.Fast-forward to present day and race is still a hot topic, but the population is divided. Many believe supporters booing shouldnt warrant a racist tag, but what else can it be called when an anti-racist gesture is receiving such treatment?Southgate stopped short of labelling the fans and hes right to be diplomatic, but its clear hes embarra sed seeing his players getting booed before each game.It doesnt reflect well on anybody and would be a tough sight to see during the Euros. Players are starting to grow frustrated too.Kalvin Phillips recently : I was confused and disappointed. I was just happy the boos were cancelled out by fans cheering in the end. I dont think its a great situation, especially for us players.Southgate has been open about his feelings and players seem to have the same luxury to speak their truth without repercu sion. Its a healthy way to discu s
Odell Beckham Jr. Jersey the problem, so hopefully the more they talk the more minds they can change.The England manager has come in for a lot of criticism for his Euros team selection and will be under a lot of scrutiny if England underperform this summer, but it cant be argued Southgate hasnt spoken brilliantly about the Black Lives Matter movement and kneeling before games.Hes not sat on the fence, given empty platitudes or ignored the subject when asked, Southgate has been clear and concise about the importance of kneeling in multiple interviews and is 100% behind his players. That takes a lot of courage.And while England are expecting more backlash from their own fans, theyre more determined than ever to exercise their freedom of expre sion before games.Southgate has let his players dictate what action they wanted to take in games, whether thats leaving the pitch if racist abuse occurs or kneeling before a match, so its clear how much he believes in the cause.In 2019, Henry Winter wrote a column in telling Southgate to be fearle s in the face of racism, and he has been.Some football clubs in England stopped kneeling after the booing from crowds became overwhelming, but the national team are really going to test fans resolve. Like Southgate previously said, the UK needs to get its own house in order. Perhaps this is the moment.The
Brian Allen Jersey entire country are having a dialogue about kneeling and the meaning behind it, so minds should become enlightened when they realise the truth.