England head coach Gareth Southgate backs his players as controversy over kneeling grows

With England players’ decision to take the knee in their protest against racism before every match, a controversy has erupted in the country with multiple fans booing and jeering at the players.

Several fans voiced their opinion loudly in England’s match against Austria at Middlesbrough which took several players by surprise.

Manager Gareth Southgate, however, has come out in defence of his players and even called them role models. Last week, he also mentioned that his players will continue to take the knee before every match at Euro 2020.

“Our players are role models,” the England boss wrote in the Players’ Tribune. “And, beyond the confines of the pitch, we must recognise the impact they can have on society.

“We must give them the confidence to stand up for their teammates and the things that matter to them as people. I have never believed that we should just stick to football.”

The match against Austria was the first game where fans were allowed to watch The Three Lions in action ever since the pandemic began. However, it ended up being a bittersweet experience as a section of the crowd jeered the players taking the knee before the game.

Footballers in the Premier League have been practicing this custom of taking the knee in order to voice their protest against racial injustice ever since George Floyd was brutally killed by a police officer called Derek Chauvin in the United States last year.

There has been raging debate over the issue with many England politicians also expressing their displeasure. With England’s European Championship kicking off against Croatia on June 13, this has been an unhealthy distraction.

“It’s their duty to continue to interact with the public on matters such as equality, inclusivity and racial injustice, while using the power of their voices to help put debates on the table, raise awareness and educate,” Southgate further added in his open letter addressed to England fans.

England’s three group matches will take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London where 22,000 fans will be allowed as part of UEFA’s plan to have fans in the stadiums back soon.

Southgate also revealed the message that he conveys to his players before every game which extends beyond football.
“There’s something I tell our players before every England game, and the reason that I repeat it is because I really believe it with all my heart,” he said.

“I tell them that when you go out there, in this shirt, you have the opportunity to produce moments that people will remember forever.

“You are a part of an experience that lasts in the collective consciousness of our country.”