TIME TO TAKE A STAND
Abraham: If we don’t want to play any more because of what’s going on, we’ll come off.. we won’t take this abuse
NEVER mind protocol, UEFA regulations, men in suits in swish Swiss offices handing out paltry fines and token punishments, England players have simply had enough.
And they are ready to lead a renewed fight against the scourge of racism in football.
If its hideous face raises itself again during an England match and Gareth Southgate’s players decide UEFA procedure is failing them, they will leave the pitch.
Forget the consequences, forget the prospect of forfeiting a match.
While the FA and Southgate might implore Harry Kane and his team-mates to abide by UEFA protocol, it is clear their patience has snapped. In March, Callum Hudson-odoi (below) was among those racially abused by home fans in Podgorica during England’s 5-1 win.
Montenegro were fined £18,000 and ordered to play a match behind closed doors.
After that match, Raheem Sterling was not alone in telling authorities they are not doing enough to tackle the problem.
Now, Sterling could be among those to take matters into their own hands.
It is clear that, while giving the referee and UEFA a chance to deal with any problems in Prague or, more likely, Sofia, the mood within the England camp has become increasingly defiant.
Tammy Abraham, who suffered racist abuse on social media earlier in the season, explained how they had talked long and hard about the issue.
He said: “It’s a team decision. If we decide in the end that we don’t want to play this game any more because of what’s going on, we’ll come off as a team.
“It’s not just affecting one person, it’s affecting the team.” Abraham saw the scenes in Montenegro and they only hardened his resolve to tackle the matter.
He said: “To know what those guys were going through out there, it’s not acceptable. No one wants to see that.”
And that is why he thinks racial abusers should not be given a second chance.
“For me, personally, I think it’s just one strike because it gives people excuses,” he added.
“One time, twice, three times – it gives silly people excuses. If it happens and there’s a warning or whatever in the stadium, then it happens again, we have to make a decision as a team.”
Sterling has previously said that he is against walking off the field, preferring to stay on and beat the opposition. But he also explained how players are
CAMPAIGN
affected differently and need support. And it is clear if just one feels too distressed to carry on, the team will unite behind him.
If England did walk off in protest without following UEFA protocol, they would face severe sanction. But such is the strength of feeling within the squad, they would be prepared to risk punishment themselves.
Abraham said: “If that happens and we decide to leave the field, obviously it’s serious.
“We’d let the FA or whoever deal with whatever’s next, the scores or what happens with the points.
“At the time, it’s about making sure we’re a team.
“We don’t stand for it and we want the world to see that we don’t stand for the silly abuse.”