June 11, (THEWILL)- In a bid to jointly combat increasing racism and tackle the “ignorance” that coexists with the scourge, the men’s national football team of Scotland have decided to join their English counterparts in taking the knee when the great rivals meet at Euro 2020.
Scotland’s head coach Steve Clarke made this vow to see his team join England’s players, who have been going down on one knee before games as a protest against racism. On their part, Scotland have since March stood together as a group to make their own united statement on the same grounds.
At the Euros however, they intend to carry on making a statement but will make an exception for the England game at Wembley on June 18. At the basis of their decision is their disappointment at a section of the public’s reactions to their method of facing down discrimination before their games.
Those reactions left Clarke frustrated. The coach was forced to say that “some individuals and groups have sought to politicise or misrepresent the Scotland national team position”.
The 57-year-old reiterated his squad’s view that “the purpose of taking the knee … has been diluted and undermined by the continuation of abuse towards players”. What the coach is invested in avoiding is an interpretation of the Scottish team’s actions as anything but a vigorous opposition to discrimination and nothing else.
Scotland’s solidarity with their English counterparts is to provide some support after the latter faced some booing from supporters of the national team after taking the knee in their previous match
About that Clarke said: “In light of divisive and inaccurate comments being perpetuated by individuals and groups, whose views we denounce in the strongest terms, we have reflected today as a group.
“We remain committed to our principles of taking a stand but we must also be unequivocal in condemning the opportunistic false narrative being presented by some.
“We have therefore agreed that we will show solidarity with our counterparts in England, many of whom are team-mates of our own players, and who have found themselves on the receiving end of abuse from fans in recent international matches.
“We will continue to take a stand – together, as one – for our matches at Hampden Park. For our match at Wembley, we will stand against racism and kneel against ignorance.”
It was a decision that Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backed. She posted on Twitter: “Good decision, Scotland – well done!”
Also in support was Andy Robertson, the Scotland captain and Liverpool left-back. His comments were similar: “Our stance is that everyone, players, fans, teams, clubs, federations, governing bodies and governments must do more. Meaningful action is needed if meaningful change is to occur.
“But it is also clear, given the events around the England national team, taking the knee in this tournament matters as a symbol of solidarity.
“For this reason, we have collectively decided to again take the knee as a team for the fixture against England at Wembley Stadium.
“The Scotland team stands against racism but we will kneel against ignorance and in solidarity on June 18th.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
