Compulsory Racism Education for fans, players, and staff

11 June 2021

During the friendly game between Romania and England last Sunday, England players were booed by fans as they took a knee as a protest against discrimination.

After the game which ended in a 1-0 win for England, the manager of the Three Lions, Gareth Southgate gave a reaction to the booing which took place as the players took a knee. He insisted that the players will continue to make the anti-racist gesture and said the squad will ignore jeers from supporters.

Gary Neville, ex-Manchester United player and current Sky Sports pundit has reacted to the incident.

“We should deal with societal issues and tackle the major issues like racism, homophobia, LGBTQ issues, women in football. It’s ridiculous that I’m still seeing statements from football stakeholders about ‘we don’t tolerate racism whilst not doing anything”.

Gary Neville

He believes that through the wealth in the game there should be compulsory education programmes for all football fans, administrators, people who work in football clubs, players.

It’s ridiculous. There should be greater consequences and they should implement education. Simple as that.

“It should be compulsory education programmes that can be delivered through the wealth in the game for all Premier League fans, administrators, people who work in football clubs, players.

Gary Neville demands compulsory racism education for all football fans, players and staff

The former Man United player condemned those who say "we don't tolerate racism" but fail to do "a d*** thing" about it.https://t.co/AieJ9oTGPv#SLDay21 #StephenLawrenceDay

— Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation (@sldayfdn) June 10, 2021

During Ireland vs Hungary, a similar incident arose when the Irish team took a knee to stand in solidarity against racism.

However, the Hungarians stayed standing, pointing the Uefa’s “Respect” badge on their sleeves, while the home fans booed. An estimated 10,000 fans packed into the Frenc Szusza Stadium, but they made their feelings heard by strongly booing the Irish players for taking the stance that they did.

The Republic of Ireland's players were booed and jeered by some Hungary fans as they took a knee before kick-off in their friendly in Budapest. pic.twitter.com/15npHfKZcE

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 8, 2021