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Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
England players refuse to take knee and stand up in message about racist abuse
England's player stuck to their words and refused to take the knee ahead of their Women's European Championship semi-final against Italy. The squad had announced they would take the step after team-mate Jess Carter opened up on the racial abuse she has received during the tournament, with Lionesses midfielder Georgia Stanway reinforcing the decision the day before the game. 'It's just to change it up," Stanway said. "We felt like the knee was just a little bit repetitive, we felt like it's come to a point where the knee isn't doing what we wanted it to do, so now our decision is to stand and hopefully that will bring up more conversation, more change and hopefully get the topic [spoken about].' Piara Powar, head of football's international anti-discrimination body, Fare, questioned the move. "Powerful actions are needed right now, to deal with the issues that are being played out as we speak," Powar said, though he defended the Lioness' right to make the decision they have. When asked about Powar's comments, Stanway stressed that it waa a collective decision from the squad to not take the knee. "We've decided not to take the knee because we want more action to be made," she said. "We want to create more of a talking point and a point to make more change. That starts with social media and people having access to be able to do certain things. So our stance and opinion stay the same, and that's what we've decided as a collective. " Over the weekend, fellow Lionesses star Lucy Bronze spoke about how the group came to their decision. "It was driven by the group - obviously certain individuals more than others," the right-back said. "I think it was just the fact that we feel as a collective, is the message as strong as it used to be? Is the message really hitting hard? Because to us it feels like it's not if these things are still happening to our players in the biggest tournaments of their lives. "It's about putting another statement out there to say it's something that still is a problem, it's something that still needs to be put right. More needs to be done in football, more needs to be done in society, what that is right now as an individual, I don't exactly know. "But it's something that us collectively as a team and as a federation we want to work towards, we wanna make changes. This is a small step trying to create another change." Carter was dropped to the bench for the game with Italy, with Sarina Wiegman confirming it was a tactical decision to deal with the threat of their opponents. On Monday, Wiegman was asked about the prospect of pulling Carter out of the firing line for the match in Geneva. "Of course we had conversations," Wiegman said. "Although it is a hard situation, Jess is a very strong person and she wants to move on too. "She also felt - as we did - that we had to address this. You can't just let it go, so we did [not]. And then we know that there's a match going on. We want to perform. We're ready to peform. She's ready to perform and compete, and that says a lot about her and the team."
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Premier League could follow Lionesses and stop taking the knee before matches
Premier League clubs could follow the England Lionesses in stopping taking the knee next season amid growing division among anti-racism campaigners over the merits of the symbolic gesture. The Premier League is planning to consult with club captains before the start of the campaign and will then take a decision based on the feedback provided in the annual pre-season meeting. Kick It Out released a statement backing England Lionesses' decision to stop taking the knee at the European Championship as a result of the racist abuse directed at Jess Carter, but international anti-discrimination group Fare still regard it as a powerful symbol. The Professional Footballers' Association is also understood to be supporting England's players. Premier League teams have been taking the knee before matches for five years since the Black Lives Matter movement came to global prominence after the murder in the US of George Floyd. The pre-match gesture was introduced after a request from the players and was first seen in England when Aston Villa and Sheffield United met in June 2020 in the first Premier League game back after the cessation of live sport because of the Covid-19 pandemic. England's men's and women's international teams, as well as EFL clubs, followed the Premier League in adopting the practice although most of those sides have since dropped it. Taking the knee was scaled back in the Premier League last season and only took place before the first and last league games of the season, as well as before dedicated No Room For Racism fixtures staged in October and April. While Kick It Out and the PFA appear ambivalent over the value of the gesture Fare insists that it remains a powerful symbol and argues it is particularly important in the Premier League, where more than a third of the players are black. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion 'The taking of the knee is a powerful anti-racist act and England Lionesses have shown leadership across Europe in taking it for so long,' said Fare's executive director, Piara Power. 'Powerful actions are needed right now to deal with issues that are being played out as we speak.'
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Premier League could follow Lionesses and stop taking the knee before matches
Premier League clubs could follow the England Lionesses in stopping taking the knee next season amid growing division among anti-racism campaigners over the merits of the symbolic gesture. The Premier League is planning to consult with club captains before the start of the campaign and will then take a decision based on the feedback provided in the annual pre-season meeting. Kick It Out released a statement backing England Lionesses' decision to stop taking the knee at the European Championship as a result of the racist abuse directed at Jess Carter, but international anti-discrimination group Fare still regard it as a powerful symbol. The Professional Footballers' Association is also understood to be supporting England's players. Premier League teams have been taking the knee before matches for five years since the Black Lives Matter movement came to global prominence after the murder in the US of George Floyd. The pre-match gesture was introduced after a request from the players and was first seen in England when Aston Villa and Sheffield United met in June 2020 in the first Premier League game back after the cessation of live sport because of the Covid-19 pandemic. England's men's and women's international teams, as well as EFL clubs, followed the Premier League in adopting the practice although most of those sides have since dropped it. Taking the knee was scaled back in the Premier League last season and only took place before the first and last league games of the season, as well as before dedicated No Room For Racism fixtures staged in October and April. While Kick It Out and the PFA appear ambivalent over the value of the gesture Fare insists that it remains a powerful symbol and argues it is particularly important in the Premier League, where more than a third of the players are black. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion 'The taking of the knee is a powerful anti-racist act and England Lionesses have shown leadership across Europe in taking it for so long,' said Fare's executive director, Piara Power. 'Powerful actions are needed right now to deal with issues that are being played out as we speak.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Lionesses' decision NOT to take the knee called into question by anti-racism group as chief insists he 'does not see a link' between online abuse of Jess Carter and pre-match gesture
The Lionesses have been criticised by the head of football's international anti-discriminatory body for their decision to stop taking the knee after Jess Carter was racially abused. Centre-back Carter, who played 70 minutes of England's Euro 2025 quarter-final victory over Sweden, said she would be stepping away from social media after she received a 'lot' of online hate following the win. The Lionesses later said they would no longer be taking the knee, as it was 'clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism' and that they would instead aim to create a new statement that sparks 'conversation and change'. The decision was backed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who rejoiced at the abandonment of the 'crazy gesture', while the Football Association (FA) is also said to be fully supportive. But the head of football's international anti-discriminatory body, Fare, has hit out at England for ending the gesture. Piara Powar, Fare's executive director, said that taking of the knee is a 'powerful anti-racist act'and is 'needed right now'. He told the BBC: 'The players have taken a decision to stop taking the knee, which is their right. 'I personally don't see the link between the two. The taking of the knee is a powerful anti-racist act and this England team have shown leadership across Europe in taking it for so long. 'Powerful actions are needed right now, to deal with the issues that are being played out as we speak.' He also said regulator Ofcom must start taking stronger action against social media platforms. 'The racial abuse of Jess Carter highlights again how toxic some social media users are. 'It also raises the question of the responsibility of the platforms to identify and remove harmful abuse such as racism.' The Online Safety Act, which was passed in October 2023, states that social media platforms have a duty to protect users from racism, violence and death threats. Powar's comments come after the police were brought in to work with the FA over ensuring those 'responsible for the hate crime are brought to justice'. FA CEO Mark Bullingham said they 'immediately contacted police' following Carter's abuse and that their 'priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs.' Meanwhile, in response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'There is no place for racism in football or anywhere in society.' On Sunday, the Lionesses confirmed they would not take the knee, for the first time this tournament, in their semi-final against Italy on Tuesday night. In a statement, the Lionesses said: 'We stand with Jess and all Lionesses players past and present who have suffered racism. No one should have to endure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life. 'Representing our country is the greatest honour. It is not right that while we are doing that some of us are treated differently simply because of the colour of our skin. 'Until now we have chosen to take the knee before matches. It's clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism. We have agreed as a squad to remain standing before kick-off on Tuesday. 'We hope the game can come together to see what more can be done. For now, we will return our total focus to an important semi-final. 'In the meantime, we know the FA are working with UK police and the appropriate bodies. Those behind this online poison must be held accountable.' Manager Sarina Wiegman said: 'Although it is a hard situation, Jess is a very strong person and she wants to move on too. She also felt – as we did – that we had to address this. 'You can't just let it go, so we didn't. And then we know that there's a match going on. We're ready to perform.' Wiegman confirmed that Carter, who plays for New Jersey-based Gotham FC and has started every game for England in Switzerland, would be available against Italy. 'She's ready to perform and compete, and that says a lot about her and the team,' she said. Asked how it felt as a manager to deal with such a situation, Wiegman replied: 'It's really sad that we have to be occupied by this. It is ridiculous and disgusting what is happening and that goes beyond football. 'Of course, she's not the only one who gets this abuse or racism. That's why she wanted to address it and she's fully supported by the team.' England midfielder Georgia Stanway added: 'If anything it has probably brought us together as a team. 'There's some things that we will never be able to understand, and that's one of those. 'We need to cut it out of society and football. We don't know the steps that it takes in order for that to happen, but right now all we can do is show our support, our togetherness, and we can be united in what we want to make sure is right.' Their semi-final opponents joined in their support for Carter, with Italy manager Andrea Soncin saying that the players will discuss a 'possible gesture' to show their solidarity on Monday night. Alex Greenwood suggested that taking the knee has 'lost its power' in the fight against racism 'There is the greatest of solidarity to her and towards anyone suffering violence and abuse. It should not be tolerated,' the 46-year-old said. 'We have a responsibility with the position we are in to send the right messages, we need to give education messages, including to children, it is a cultural campaign, a cultural battle. Taking the knee has been used since the Black Lives Matter movement came to prominence in 2020 to support football's fight against racism. But the gesture has been criticised for simply become a tokenistic exercise, designed to show that football cares about the issue without committing to change on a deeper level. Suggesting that this is now the view of Wiegman's camp, Lionesses veteran Lucy Bronze told the Telegraph: 'Is the message as strong as it used to be? Is the message really hitting hard?' Alex Greenwood, in answer to those questions, admitted: 'There's maybe a feeling that it has lost its power'. The Lionesses are by no means the first to refuse taking the knee. In 2021, former Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha announced that he would not be performing the gesture before games - claiming it was 'degrading' and had become routine. 'I think the meaning behind the whole thing is becoming something that we just do now,' he said. 'That's not enough. I'm not going to take the knee.' Former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha previously said taking the knee was 'degrading' In the wake of the Lionesses' announcement, FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered his support to Carter, while FA chief Mark Bullingham, UEFA, the National Women's Soccer League and her football club Gotham FC also released statements condemning the abuse. 'We stand with Jess. We stand with every player and every individual who has suffered from racist abuse. No player should be discriminated against in any way, they should be free to be at their very best on the pitch,' Infantino said.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Anti-racism group questions England not taking knee
The head of football's international anti-discrimination body, Fare, has questioned England's decision to stop taking a knee before Euro 2025 matches after defender Jess Carter suffered racist abuse on social Sunday, the Lionesses said they would stop the anti-racism gesture as it was "clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism".The Football Association (FA) is said to be fully supportive of the Lionesses' decision, and shares the squad's view that something else is now executive director Piara Powar said it was time for regulator Ofcom to take action against social media platforms, but also expressed disappointment at England's stance."The players have taken a decision to stop taking the knee, which is their right," Powar told BBC Sport."I personally don't see the link between the two. The taking of the knee is a powerful anti-racist act and this England team have shown leadership across Europe in taking it for so long."Powerful actions are needed right now, to deal with the issues that are being played out as we speak."In October 2023, the Online Safety Act became law dictating that social media platforms have a duty to protect users from content such as racism, death threats and calls for says it is now time for Ofcom to take action."The racial abuse of Jess Carter highlights again how toxic some social media users are," he said. "It also raises the question of the responsibility of the platforms to identify and remove harmful abuse such as racism."In this regard it is a very timely test for the Online Safety Act which seeks to protect users and regulate social media platforms."The act came into force in the autumn and Ofcom gained powers to enforce in March. There doesn't seem to be any public information available on action taken against the platforms thus far." Lionesses have made 'powerful' decision Meanwhile, Shaista Aziz, co-director of The Three Hijabis - an anti-racism campaign set up in response to racism against players in the men's Euros final in 2021 - said the Lionesses' decision was "powerful"."Taking the knee is a symbolic anti-racism act that was developed in the US and it has a very long legacy with the civil rights movement and everything else," Aziz told BBC Radio 5 Live."I think what the Lionesses are doing now is taking this to another level where they are saying that the symbolism has been hijacked by those who want to sow further division and keep going on about so-called 'woke' culture in relation to the knee being taken by footballers. They are taking it back and claiming the symbolism back by saying that it is not working. "This is what the Lionesses have said and I think that is also really powerful." 'Social media companies must do more' UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "There is no place for racism in football or anywhere in society."I stand with Jess, the Lionesses, and any players who have suffered racism, on and off the pitch."Last month, the PM told the BBC the government will explore whether further protective measures can be put in place on social media Bhandari, chairman of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, told Sky News "the social media companies need to do far more"."They've actually gone backwards over the last four or five years, not forwards. It's got worse on social media, not better," he said."And they need to provide us with the tools to help keep us safe and to remove some of this toxicity from the platforms. They're just not doing enough."The BBC have approached several major social media platforms for comment. 'Racial abuse on social media not new to women's football' Emma Sanders, BBC Sport women's football news reporter It has not been a smooth tournament for Carter, who has started every game in defence for England, switching from left-back to centre-back after a difficult experience in the opening-game defeat by defensive unit has been scrutinised for several months because of their inconsistency, and Carter also endured a tough time against Sweden in their quarter-final, which the Lionesses won on penalties after coming back from 2-0 down to draw was sent racist abuse on social media following that game, but it is not something new to women's the 2023 Women's World Cup, forward Lauren James, now 23, suffered similar abuse when she was sent off for standing on the back of Nigeria forward Michelle Alozie in their last-16 club Chelsea condemned further online abuse when she was again targeted following a Women's Super League (WSL) defeat by Arsenal in December Lionesses have often aligned with each other in the face of such abuse, and it was a player-led decision for Carter, the FA and some of her team-mates to raise the matter again on position in the team for Tuesday's semi-final against Italy was not assured, with Esme Morgan pushing for a start after a good performance in the win over manager Sarina Wiegman will have a decision to make on whether to protect Carter from further abuse, which has grown during the tournament. 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