The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)

Reaction: Sports stars have their say on the US protests

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Figures from across the sporting world have delivered their own powerful responses to the events occurring across America.

DeAndre Yedlin, the American internatio­nal footballer who plays for Newcastle United, said his grandfathe­r is glad he does not live in the United States, as he would fear for Yedlin’s life “as a young black man”. Protests have taken place in Yedlin’s home city of Seattle.

Former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers defender Nedum Onuoha told the BBC he does not feel safe in the US. Onuoha plays for MLS franchise Real Salt Lake.

He said: “In the UK, I am more comfortabl­e because if something happens it probably will not be deadly – but over here because of their rights it is more common that altercatio­ns become deadly. I am always very aware of that whenever I go around anywhere.”

Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford posted “people are hurting and people need answers”, while several Premier League clubs have been pictured taking a knee during training.

Jadon Sancho, Weston McKennie and Marcus Thuram, all footballer­s in Germany’s Bundesliga, made individual statements during last weekend’s matches.

The Washington Wizards NBA franchise released a statement saying they would “no longer tolerate the assassinat­ion of people of colour in this country” while NFL quarterbac­k Robert Griffin III called on people to “speak up and stop worrying about losing fans or hurting your brand. No brand is more valuable than human rights”.

 ??  ?? Robert Griffin III
Robert Griffin III
 ??  ?? DeAndre Yedlin
DeAndre Yedlin

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