TAKE A STAND!

Southgate calls for more action against racism

GARETH SOUTHGATE believes the current generation of English football players possess the will to make a lasting change in the fight against racism.

England players Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Tyrone Mings and Jadon Sancho have all taken a stand against racism in recent days as the global Black Lives Matter movement accelerates rapidly, with Sterling condemning the lack of BAME representation at management and boardroom level in football.

And England manager Southgate, whose team came close to walking off the pitch after several black players were subjected to racial taunts by home fans in Bulgaria last year, believes that more players should take action on the issue.

‘I think it’s important they recognise that they shouldn’t just sit back and be happy to be players, they can make a difference, they recognised the journeys in their own lives that have been through,’ said Southgate. ‘They see other kids in those areas

where they grew up, the chance to make a difference for them. It’s important people speak out,’ stressed the England manager. ‘A lot was said about Bulgaria, I come back to the Bulgarian player who went over and confronted his own fans. ‘That is the sort of powerful, uncomfortable but quite brave and bold move that needs to happen. I do feel there is a moment for change. But I think there are generations of people now who are saying hang on a second, we’ve lived through this, I’ve seen my kids live through this, I’m not prepared to see my grandkids live through this.’