England midfielder Jordan Henderson mentioned followers braving gamers to kneel earlier than the match proved racism was nonetheless a difficulty and the staff would proceed to take a stand throughout the European Championship.
A small part of spectators scoffed at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium when gamers took their knees forward of England’s pleasant win over Austria and Romania final weekend.
Henderson mentioned earlier than Sunday’s first match in opposition to Croatia, “It shows that if people are still shouting because of standing together against racism, then there is still a problem and we still have to fight it and find a solution.” Have to face collectively.”
“From our side, it’s about being together and doing what feels right to us.”
In an open letter to followers on Wednesday, coach Gareth Southgate mentioned his staff “won’t stick to just football” throughout Euros and it was their duty to highlight debates corresponding to racial consciousness.
England, semi-finalists on the 2018 World Cup, will likely be held at Wembley with all video games on 18 June, after enjoying Croatia 4 days later from Scotland and the Czech Republic.
An analogous incident occurred in Hungary on Tuesday earlier than a 0-0 draw with Ireland.
Ireland coach Stephen Kenny has condemned the “incomprehensible” conduct of followers, who had pressured their gamers to kneel earlier than the sport in Budapest.
While the Irish gamers took their knees, the Hungarian staff stood up and pointed their sleeves, bearing the ‘honour’ badge of European soccer governing physique UEFA.
“The fact that this was done is really incomprehensible, and it should be harmful to Hungary, with the euro in Hungary,” Kenny mentioned.
Budapest is one in every of 11 host cities for the Euro, which begins on 11 June.
“It’s disappointing and it doesn’t really reflect well on Hungary, on Hungary’s support,” he mentioned.
The Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) said that earlier than the sport its gamers “would not kneel to condemn hatred of any kind, but would instead find other ways”.
“The Hungarian national team not only adheres to international rules and norms in every respect, but also respects everyone, whether they are rivals, fans or anyone else,” MLSZ mentioned on its web site.
“UEFA and FIFA regulations do not allow politicization on the pitch or in the stadium, which MLSZ not only accepts but also agrees to.”
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
