Tuesday 29 June 2021
Anti racists celebrate German teams decision to #TakeTheKnee with England
Anti racists are celebrating the decision of the German team to #TakeTheKnee against racism and in solidarity with the England team at today’s Euro 2020 clash.
England have faced booing from a minority of so called ‘supporters’ for making the antiracist statement at international games.
The British government has defended the ‘right’ of this minority to attack the team despite Wales and Scotland also taking the knee and the vast majority of supporters backing the players.
England’s players have knelt before each of their three group stage games in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and against racial injustice.
German manager Joachim Low said “We stand for all these values and think it’s right to stand up for such values.”
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co convenor, said
“Despite the intense rivalry between the two teams the solidarity being expressed by the German players is fantastic. It’s great that they are taking this action together racism.”
Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism co convenor, said
“We’re delighted both England and Germany will be taking the knee in opposition to racism this afternoon, especially in light of intense pressure against this. During the Euro 2020 tournament we’ve seen racist demonstrations by Hungary fans against taking the knee backed by its far right government.
“France did a u-turn on the issue, after giving a commitment to take the knee the team conceded to pressure from the far right #BoycottEquipeDeFrance campaign and decided against taking the knee. So it’s all the more significant that both England and Germany will be taking the knee. We hope fans of both applaud the players.”
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For more information, interviews and further quotes:
info@standuptoracism.org.uk