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LONDON. — England midfielder Jordan Henderson said football fans who booed players for taking a knee before matches proved racism is still an issue and that the team will continue to take a stand during the European Championship.
There were jeers from a small section of spectators at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough when players took the knee before England’s friendly wins over Austria and Romania last weekend.
“It shows that if there are still people booing because we’re standing together against racism, then there still is a problem and we’ve still got to fight it and stand together,” Henderson said before Sunday’s opener against Croatia.
“It shows even more that we have to keep going, keep fighting it. From our side, it’s about being together and doing what we think is right.”
In an open letter to fans yesterday, coach Gareth Southgate said his team will not “just stick to football” during the Euros and that it was his responsibility to put debates such as racial awareness in the spotlight.
England, semi-finalists at the 2018 World Cup, face Scotland on June 18 and the Czech Republic four days later after playing Croatia, with all games being held at Wembley.
A similar incident took place in Hungary before Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Ireland. Ireland coach Stephen Kenny condemned the “incomprehensible” behaviour of Hungary fans who booed his players for taking a knee before the game in Budapest.
While Ireland players took a knee, the Hungary team stood and pointed to their sleeves, which had European soccer governing body Uefa’s ‘respect’ badge.
“The fact it was booed is incomprehensible really and it must be damaging for Hungary, with the Euros in Hungary,” said Kenny.
“It’s disappointing and it doesn’t reflect well on Hungary really, on Hungarian support.”
Budapest is one of 11 host cities for the Euros, which begin on June 11.
Meanwhile, The English FA are unhappy with the Government for failing to support them in their battle with England fans who booed players taking the knee before last week’s European Championship warm-up matches against Austria and Romania.
In a row that threatens to overshadow England’s opening game against Croatia on Sunday, Southgate and his players have had to justify their decision to continue with the anti-racism gesture, with the Government’s response leading senior FA figures to conclude that ministers are deliberately taking a populist stance in opposition to the feelings of the national team.
Boris Johnson previously said he is opposed to taking the knee on grounds that he prefers actions to gestures, and the Prime Minister’s official spokesman this week repeatedly refused to condemn fans for booing.
Several other senior ministers, including Home Secretary Priti Patel, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, have made it clear they will not take the knee.
The FA have not commented on the Government’s position, but several sources expressed disappointment to Sportsmail that they appear to be taking a populist stance in what has become a divisive culture war. — AFP.
Online Reporter