PLAY-OUTS:

Another foreign invader. This one is from Italy. Play-outs are used for a series of relegation matches. Play-offs are only for promotion over there. Ciao.

THE sporting world did the right thing last week when it abandoned its time-honoured caution about players and competitors making political statements.

England’s young star Jadon Sancho (right) risked punishment when he displayed a slogan on his shirt during a Bundesliga match demanding ‘Justice for George Floyd’, the African American killed by a policeman in the USA.

Liverpool and Newcastle players published photos of their squads down on one knee as a gesture of solidarity in the fight against racism.

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford (left), growing in stature by the week as a leader of his generation of players, sent a powerful anti-racism message across social media. In times past, the football establishment would have reacted with horror.

These appear to be new and better days, when FIFA President Gianni Infantino responds by saying: “For the avoidance of doubt, the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches deserve applause and not a punishment.”

Sport is correct.

Sometimes you have to choose.

One of those times is when armed police fire tear gas into a group of peaceful protesters, among them members of the clergy, just to clear the way for a president to have a vainglorious photo opportunity outside a church.

There are moments in history when you stand up for right against wrong.

That is now.