‘Take knee only if we see action’

WARNING Stein is worried anti-racism is fizzling out

THIS afternoon’s FA Cup clash between Chelsea and Luton Town will bring back some happy memories for Mark Stein, who starred for both clubs during his 20-year career.

But when the players take a knee before kick-off his overriding feeling will be one of frustration.

Stein believes it sent out a powerful anti-racism message last summer and in the autumn.

But now the former striker – who appeared in an FA Cup Final with Chelsea in 1994 – believes it is in danger of becoming a hollow gesture unless followed up with action from those in power.

He said: “How long do you take the knee for without seeing any action, without anything done to tackle the problem?

“If something is done over and over again, but nothing changes, then what’s the point of it? I think that’s the question that people involved in football have to ask themselves.

“Everyone is saying that change will take time, but why should it take time?

“If you’re a business and you want to implement something, you do it.

“This is a problem that goes all the way from the physios – and I’m a chartered physio – all the way up to the boardroom.

“Look at the number of black managers or coaches that have been given a chance between the 1980s and now. What would the percentage be? It would be tiny.

“It’s a stain on the game. “A lot of black coaches have just given up. They get to the stage where they apply for jobs, don’t hear anything or get rejected and just give up.

“Wayne Rooney got the Derby job straight away, the same with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

“No disrepect to them but they’ve gone straight in at the highest level. Sol Campbell and Paul Ince had to go to Macclesfield.

“That’s ridiculous – and that’s continuing.”