Appalling behaviour

I would imagine the vast majority of your readers, like me, were appalled by the behaviour of the black t-shirted racists at the England and Hungary football match. Their behaviour both before kick off by booing the English footballers taking the knee, and subsequent incidents aimed at black members of the team were a disgrace.

We should not, however, forget that we in this country are not without our ignorant racists who attend our matches – albeit a small minority. It is therefore behoving of us to put our own house in order before condemning others. This can be from the bottom up and Portsmouth Football Club could set an example to others.

I have been embarrassed and upset when watching the Pompey team take the knee prior to their two home matches.

A small minority of our so-called fans were booing our players for performing this act of solidarity in support of campaigns which are trying to eradicate discrimination and racism in football, and life in general. Many people (at the second home match) did clap to try to drown them out, but they were still clearly audible in the background.

So perhaps the club announcer should say – just prior to kick off at our next home match: ‘The Portsmouth players will now take the knee in support of campaigns to eradicate racism and other forms of discrimination. Please feel free to clap in support of our team. If this upsets you and you wish to boo, please feel free to leave the stadium prior to the referee’s whistle. You do not belong here.’

It might not make a difference, but it is worth a try.

Keith Martin Penny Street, Old Portsmouth