Manchester City defender Demi Stokes revealed that players are sick of the racial abuse they receive and reiterated that players need to keep taking a knee. Footballers in the UK have been taking a knee as an anti-racism gesture before games ever since the murder of George Floyd. The gesture has had its fair share of critics who have said that it is a political gesture. Recently, Stokes and her Manchester City teammates took a knee in their derby clash against Manchester United and were met with applause from the crowd.
“I think it’s important we keep the ball rolling – and not just because it’s Black History Month.” Manchester City defender Demi Stokes said. “It’s been done for over a year now and that’s good, that’s what we want to see, we want to see it weekly because it is those reminders. People might boo – and that’s why we’ll keep doing it. It’s bigger than us, it’s bigger than just football. It’s something we’re trying to tackle as individuals, as a team, as a league. I think it’s important you still do it, even if it is tough, even if it is uncomfortable.”
“People saying, ‘I’m sick of it, I’m sick of hearing about it’ – well, we’re sick of getting abuse, of hearing things in the news. Footballers are sick of being racially abused.” she added. “We want to remind you that there is a problem and it needs to be tackled, and that’s our way of helping and propelling it forward.”
Also, Read Steve Clarke: Scotland Feeling The Love From The Tartan Army
