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The FA has confirmed that investigations into crowd-related incidents in Millwall and Colchester are underway after some fans booed players kneeling during their home games on Saturday.
A statement from the FA said: “The FA can confirm that investigations into crowd-related incidents at The Den and JobServe Community Stadium are underway on Saturday, December 5, 2020.
“Comments have been requested from all relevant parties and they will have until Thursday, December 10, 2020 to provide their respective responses.”
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A section of the Millwall crowd booed as the players knelt before the start of the game against the Derby.
Millwall says he is “shocked and saddened by the events that marred Saturday’s game against Derby County.”
Colchester owner: boos are not welcome
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Colchester United owner Robbie Cowling explains why the club decided to issue an anti-racism statement after a small number of fans booed players kneeling before their match with Grimsby.
Colchester owner Robbie Cowling says fans who want to boo kneeling players are not welcome at the club.
The U beat Grimsby 2-1 in Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two clash, but that victory was overshadowed by several fans booing the players’ anti-racism gesture before kick-off.
“The game is talked about because of the ridiculous actions of a select few who decided to boo our players as they knelt before kickoff,” Cowling said in a statement.
“It is undeniable that blacks and other ethnic minorities continue to be victims of racism, and black footballers and Colchester United staff feel that they are in a privileged position that has been fought for with the blood and sweat of their ancestors. A position that in 2020 the average black person is not yet available.
“Those who get down on their knees and support the knee grab, not only show their willingness to support the drive to eradicate racial oppression, but force it to be a topic of conversation even when it is uncomfortable.
“Perhaps those who booed on Saturday can now understand what this gesture means for our club and will at least remain silent for the next few matches as the players continue to kneel before each kickoff.”
“Alternatively, they should stay away from our club because anyone who still wants to boo now that I have explained the purpose and importance of kneeling is not welcome in our club.”
“I will be happy to reimburse anyone for the remaining value of their season leave if that is the reason they feel they can no longer attend our games.”
PFA: Racism is a human problem, not a political one
The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) has reiterated its support for the players kneeling and insists that the act is a “human rights issue” rather than a political one.
The players’ union also strongly condemned the Millwall supporters section who booed and urged the club to identify those responsible.
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Iffy Onuora, Equality Officer for the Professional Footballers Association, has reiterated the PFA’s support for players who kneel and says it is not a political issue.
“This is a human problem, I cannot stress enough, it is about the players. Boos are not illegal and that point is already clear, but it may be inappropriate,” said PFA Equality Officer Iffy Onuora. Sky Sports News.
“If there was a live band on stage and you booed them, how long would they stay? How long would a theater group stay on stage if they were booed?
“They are people who go to work and exercise their right to protest.”
In a statement, the PFA also said: “The decision to kneel, as a result of the death of George Floyd in the US and the worldwide tide of support for the BLM movement, was a decision led by players in solidarity and support. for blacks facing racism We’ve all seen players face racist abuse on and off the court, this is not a political issue, it is a human rights issue.
“The PFA fully supports the right of players to kneel, while understanding that it is the responsibility of soccer authorities to continue to advance and challenge inequalities in soccer.
“The closed stadiums have been a respite for players who are abused on the field, although they have not stopped the ongoing abuse online.
“The perpetrators in Millwall must be easily located given the stadium restrictions and we ask the club to act quickly to identify the section of the crowd that booed the players.
“While booing is not a crime, it is a sad indictment for a lack of understanding and empathy for the players’ fight against racism and discrimination.”
Agbonlahor: I would ask for a move away from Millwall
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Gabby Agbonlahor admits that she would consider her future if she played for Millwall after some fans booed the players kneeling on Saturday.
When asked what he would have done in the Millwall black players position, former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor said he would definitely consider his future at the club.
“You want to keep playing because it’s not the entire Millwall fan base, it’s a certain group of them that is doing it,” he said. Sky Sports News.
“I feel like I probably would have continued playing, but I would be thinking to myself, after the game, I’m done. I’m going to see December and in January I’m going to ask my agent for a move.” .
“I wouldn’t want to play for that club if some of your fans are going to do that and insult and disrespect something that means a lot to you as a player. Why would you want to go out there and do your best for that club?” ? “
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