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Premier League players to continue taking a knee this season

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108 Comments

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Oh really? Any money being spent on education? Nope.And they won't.

Kick It Out has been England's equality and inclusion in football organisation since 1993. It's funded by the Premier League, the FA, The PFA and Sky.

https://www.kickitout.org/

They work very hard and do a terrific job. Have a read of the website.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Premier League players will continue to take a knee before games during the 2021-22 season in an anti-racism gesture.

The UK really needs to come to grips with its long history of deep in-grown racism problem.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the league has had “a long-standing commitment” to fight racism.

Let's hope actions are stronger than words. This prevalent racism in the UK needs to be stopped--it goes under the radar and this is a good chance for the countries of the UK to acknowledge their long history of slavery and racism, and finally deal with it accordingly.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

A handful of fans and online trolls are loons and racist and generally nasty. Eventually the liklihood of ever achieving "zero racism" needs to be accepted. Suggesting this is a widespread issue just turns people off who know better.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

People know better that racism is not a widespread issue?

Oh, that resolves it.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

The UK really needs to come to grips with its long history of deep in-grown racism problem.

Very noble. The walls need to close in on racism.

What exactly do you want the UK to do? You said ‘deal with’? Could you nail that down?

As a huge football fan, what do you think the football community can do to help?

8 ( +9 / -1 )

This prevalent racism in the UK needs to be stopped--it goes under the radar and this is a good chance for the countries of the UK to acknowledge their long history of slavery and racism, and finally deal with it accordingly.

In other words, 'I'm desperately trying to make your country look more racist than mine'

10 ( +10 / -0 )

In other words, 'I'm desperately trying to make your country look more racist than mine'

You get that sense given the lack of concrete ideas, it’s just emotional. Bordering on hysterical.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

ClippetyClopToday  12:19 pm JST

In other words, 'I'm desperately trying to make your country look more racist than mine'

Interesting attempt to deflect.

JimizoToday  12:22 pm JST

You get that sense given the lack of concrete ideas, it’s just emotional. Bordering on hysterical.

Another deflection--more of a hissy fit though.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

You get that sense given the lack of concrete ideas, it’s just emotional. Bordering on hysterical.

Another deflection--more of a hissy fit though.

Not at all. I’m afraid you are clearly avoiding answering the question.

I’m just interested in your use of ‘deal with’ and ‘resolve’.

What do you want them to do?

You obviously have very strong anti-racist feelings given how much you post on this issue, and you have a particular interest in racism in the UK.

Surely you’ve come up with ideas to ‘deal with’ or ‘resolve’ the issue. Otherwise, it’s just emotional.

It’s just whining.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

@Commodore Perry.

I agree. Much more can be done about racism in the UK.

Please suggest what else we can do ?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

PaustovskyToday  12:43 pm JST

I agree. Much more can be done about racism in the UK.

Please suggest what else we can do ?

Everything the US is trying to do, except for the violent protests, cancel culture, and teaching of CRT.

The UK is not that far behind the US in bettering the rights of its minorities, so it has the chance to do a better job than the US.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

@Commodore Perry.

Thank you for your reply.

I am not American so I am unaware what the US is trying to do to improve its structural racism.

Againc can you tell me so I can make a comparison ?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

zichiToday  12:53 pm JST

Unlike in America, slaves were not used but the money made from profits helped built the cities. In America, it can be claimed, large parts were built on the brutal treatment of slaves. It took until Obama for a president to apologise for slavery.

Who introduced slavery into what is now the USA? Forgot your history?

zichiToday  12:53 pm JST

For an American to preach to the British about slavery and racism is laughable. 

Hilarious after reading what a Brit just wrote about America and slavery and racism. Was that on purpose? Well-done!!

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Admit they have a racist problem in the UK would be a start.

Who are ‘they’?

What do you want them to do to ‘deal with’ and ‘resolve’ the issue?

You said ‘deal with it accordingly’. What does this entail? Words alone won’t deal with it. They won’t ‘resolve’ the problem.

You are very low on substance but high on emotion. It’s hysterical.

I like practical things

9 ( +9 / -0 )

JimizoToday  12:59 pm JST

Who are ‘they’? 

What do you want them to do to ‘deal with’ and ‘resolve’ the issue?

You said ‘deal with it accordingly’. What does this entail? Words alone won’t deal with it. They won’t ‘resolve’ the problem. 

You are very low on substance but high on emotion. It’s hysterical. 

I like practical things

Thanks for all the emotional questions. They seem pretty basic. How come you don't have any answers?

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

My cousin played for England and a Premier league team.

The amount of abuse they get for the stands is unreal.

I know people say they are well paid, but they are well paid because the sport makes money.

They don't get extra money for putting up with abuse from dickhead fans.

And on top of that players from minorities get racial abuse? Feck off.

If you are against players kneeling before a match for a few seconds to protest racism, then maybe you should re-examine your own views.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

TheDalaiLamasBifocalsToday  01:05 pm JST

My cousin played for England and a Premier league team.

The amount of abuse they get for the stands is unreal.

I know people say they are well paid, but they are well paid because the sport makes money.

They don't get extra money for putting up with abuse from dickhead fans. 

And on top of that players from minorities get racial abuse? Feck off.

If you are against players kneeling before a match for a few seconds to protest racism, then maybe you should re-examine your own views.

That is horrible. I hope more people pay attention to the message from the kneeling players

zichiToday  01:09 pm JST

And who does not know the British gave up control of America with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Whatever happened in the new America after that was the responsibility of the government and the people, not the British.

America didn't end slavery until 1865, 82 years later. The black people could not really vote until 1965, 182 years later. Segregation was not ended until 1964, 181 years later.

When it comes to slavery and racism, America still has a lot to answer for.

Did you read TheDalaiLamasBifocals post?

And Britain had a slavery tradition for over 200 years! Incredible. Almost as long as the US has been a country.

So Britain has had almost 500 years to come to grips with its slavery tradition.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

zichiToday  01:56 pm JST

There was no tradition of black slavery in Britain but some did exist.

Admiral Sir John Hawkins of Plymouth, a notable Elizabethan seafarer, is widely acknowledged to be "the Pioneer of the English Slave Trade". In 1554–1555,

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Back on topic please.

United striker Marcus Rashford was among the Black players for England who were subjected to racist abuse online after they missed penalty kicks in the decisive European Championship shootout against Italy.

One of the saddest days in British sports.

Incredible this goes on in 2021.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Kneeling is a sign of submission.

Better spend more money and help black people instead of kneeling, which costs zero money and is meaningless.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Progress in the terraces has been made over the seasons. There is much less racial shouting and those fans who do, end up banned for life.

Yes, the police have clamped down on this a lot. It was shocking in the 1970s and 1980s in particular. The stuff shouted at the likes of Cyrille Regis and Viv Anderson was appalling. It wasn’t as bad as some of the stuff I heard from racists in Texas when I was there in the 1990s, but it was disgusting nevertheless. Cameras around the stadium and other people reporting it has a lot to do with it.

Great, practical steps taken by the UK to acknowledge the problem and attempt to stamp it out.

More to be done.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

JimizoToday  02:14 pm JST

It wasn’t as bad as some of the stuff I heard from racists in Texas when I was there in the 1990s, but it was disgusting nevertheless.

Texas in the 90s? Well, we are talking about the UK in 2021. Sad nothing has been learned in over 30 years though.

zichiToday  02:18 pm JST

You know so little about British sports, especially football. There have been major tragic events, like the loss of the Manchester United team in a plane crash or the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans in Hillsborough.

The plane crash was over 60 years ago. Most posters here weren't around then. It must be nice to live in the past, but we are talking about racism in the UK, in UK sports, in 2021.

I am surprised British posters especially are not outraged.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Don't feed it!

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

It wasn’t as bad as some of the stuff I heard from racists in Texas when I was there in the 1990s, but it was disgusting nevertheless. 

Texas in the 90s? Well, we are talking about the UK in 2021. Sad nothing has been learned in over 30 years though.

Calm down. I was saying that I saw worse racism in Texas in the 1990s than I saw in the UK in the 70’s and 80’s. Just a point of comparison.

If you read my post again, you’ll find I explain the difference between racism in football in the UK in the 70s/80s and now. It has improved. This is clear. Still more to be done.

Racism acknowledged. Practical steps taken. Improvement shown. More to be done.

I think the walls are closing in on your narrative.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

JimizoToday  02:38 pm JST

Calm down. I was saying that I saw worse racism in Texas in the 1990s than I saw in the UK in the 70’s and 80’s. Just a point of comparison.

If you read my post again, you’ll find I explain the difference between racism in football in the UK in the 70s/80s and now. It has improved. This is clear. Still more to be done.

Racism acknowledged. Practical steps taken. Improvement shown. More to be done.

I think the walls are closing in on your narrative.

My point is instead of deflecting the narrative, and falling back on attacking the US, just step up to the plate and discuss the issue as it is--racism in the UK. I don't think anyone here will attack you for commenting on it. This is a relatively safe space.

But it is good the UK is making positive steps.

And as I have been advocating, there needs to be more acknowledgement of racism in the UK, instead of directing all the attention to the US.

It's like bandaging the thumb on one finger, and hiding the other hand behind your back as your pinkie bleeds.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

And as I have been advocating, there needs to be more acknowledgement of racism in the UK

What level of acknowledgment do you want to see ( this is incredibly vague on your part )? Make it clear.

I’m a practical person.

What concrete steps to you want to see? This is the meat of the point.

Just give us a few points. You do have points on this, don’t you?

It would be bizarre to talk about ‘deal with’ and ‘resolve’ if you had no practical ideas.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

JimizoToday  02:54 pm JST

What level of acknowledgment do you want to see ( this is incredibly vague on your part )? Make it clear. 

I’m a practical person. 

What concrete steps to you want to see? This is the meat of the point. 

Just give us a few points. You do have points on this, don’t you? 

It would be bizarre to talk about ‘deal with’ and ‘resolve’ if you had no practical ideas.

Being defensive only propagates the problem.

There is an entire article here to comment on, instead of asking vague, baseless questions about my easy to understand comments.

But at least I accomplished my goal.

I hope more Brits adopt the same attitude as the league:

The league said Tuesday it “wholeheartedly supported” the decision and confirmed that players and match officials will also continue to wear “No Room For Racism” badges on their shirts.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

The league said Tuesday it “wholeheartedly supported” the decision and confirmed that players and match officials will also continue to wear “No Room For Racism” badges on their shirts.

Oh, dear boy, that’s naive.

That’s not going to ‘deal with’ or ‘resolve’ it.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@Commodore Perry

I salute your support for all efforts being made to eradicate institutional and structural racism in the UK.

Your comments come across as entirely sincere and not in the slightest bit disingenuous.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

JimizoToday  03:12 pm JST

Oh, dear boy, that’s naive. 

That’s not going to ‘deal with’ or ‘resolve’ it.

Neither are those kind of vacuous remarks.

But glad I got the attention of some Brits here who up to now have been reticent to confront the realities of racism in the UK, and instead try and deflect the commentary. or become emotional and defensive.

Hope you can follow Man United's lead.

Manchester United players issued their own statement, saying they “fully support” the league-wide decision.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

PaustovskyToday  03:14 pm JST

@Commodore Perry

I salute your support for all efforts being made to eradicate institutional and structural racism in the UK.

Your comments come across as entirely sincere and not in the slightest bit disingenuous.

Thank you Paustovsky

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

One thing I appreciate about the vast majority of British posters on this website is they confront head-on the issues of their country. For instance, they do not hesitate to admit that racism is a problem in the U.K., and that more needs to be done about it.

Yes, one thing I do like about most Brits is their ability to self-deprecate and be honest about their negative points. They are quite good on the self-awareness scale in general. I have come across some who are more childish and emotional and see any negative comment about a country as an expression of hate. Useless.

Anyway, let’s hope the brighter, more mature and practical minds will be put to use to improve the situation. Older heads can be useful here.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Well stated, Zichi.

As a Kopite and a Scouser, Zichi knows his football and has watched it for longer than most of us.

As I said, older heads ( I hope he doesn’t mind me saying that ) are useful here. A bit of perspective and a knowledge of how things have improved.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Most Brits I know are very aware of current events and open minded and outspoken. Here though, a select few are extremely emotional, and defensive whenever they perceive someone is attacking their country. Sad.

Especially when these type of racist issues arise, one would think the Brits here would confront the issue head on, instead of trying to deflect the narrative or, more incredibly, to deny history.

But one positive outcome is that it becomes easy to identify those who are just trawling these pages.

And one more thanks to :

PaustovskyToday  03:14 pm JST

@Commodore Perry

I salute your support for all efforts being made to eradicate institutional and structural racism in the UK.

Your comments come across as entirely sincere and not in the slightest bit disingenuous.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

zichiToday  04:39 pm JST

some of us have been on this forum more than 10 years. 

Personally, I made more than 35,000 posts and I’m not even the top division.

Something to be proud of? Very un-British.

Why bring irrelevant comments here? Off topic.

In Kansai, you can buy 100% ground beef. Always buy several packets when I see them

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

zichiToday  06:00 pm JST

in football, we call that a home goal!

In America we call it soccer.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

With the way some English fans behaved in the Euro, they need to keep doing it

Obviously some English fans haven't learned their lesson yet

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I'm very happy to hear this. Would be nice to see this happen more in other countries, too.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Yes, taking a knee is one small step. I think the UK is a few years behind the US in this kind of awareness, 

I agree to a point. Having lived in both, I think the UK is behind the more progressive, educated, first-world states of the US but ahead of the more third-world ones on this score. Given your fierce anti-racist views, I see you more in the progressive, liberal, wine spritzer-drinking, educated column. More Kinokuniya than Costco.

Some might unkindly call your fierce anti-racism virtue-signaling, but I see it as sincere.

The UK has its variations, but my experience of living in the south of the US allowed me to see something truly backward on views of race. Worse than anything I’d ever seen in the UK.

A mixed bag.

A good point though. Worthy of discussion. This is much better.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Fox “News’” viewership is easily frightened by whipping up ignorance-driven fear. It creates baseless fears by misrepresenting CRT by making it out to be an attack on all white people.

This is the backwardness I was talking about, but Commodore Perry is taking the high, liberal, progressive ground here.

That is the US standard he’s holding up.

You could argue he’s covering the blemishes ( Fox News type knuckle dragging ) but perhaps we should judge the US on the standard of the more civilized, educated, perhaps even elitist America when talking about racism.

I’m prepared to do that.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Good for them.

If taking the knee infuriates, upsets and angers people (ie racists and bigots), long may it last.

As we all saw during Euro 2021, there is still a lot of racism and hatred toward Black players.

Kick Racism Out!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I think the UK is behind the more progressive, educated, first-world states of the US but ahead of the more third-world ones on this score. 

Interesting perspective. It makes sense. America is not a unified monolith but essentially two opposing cultures. It’s how a black man could be elected president, while the banks still make it harder for black people to get home loans.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Let's hope actions are stronger than words. This prevalent racism in the UK needs to be stopped--it goes under the radar and this is a good chance for the countries of the UK to acknowledge their long history of slavery and racism, and finally deal with it accordingly.

Very true.

Like your country does not have racism problems, and you come to give moral lessons..

Pathetic..

Racism definitely wasn't born in the US, talk about pathetic.....

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

but perhaps we should judge the US on the standard of the more civilized, educated, perhaps even elitist America when talking about racism. 

Why is it that Brits are just overly pompous in their sarcastic cynisim? We really don't care how Brits or Europeans judge us, it's not like they can do anything to change us, they can be whomever they want to be, so shall we, thanks.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Why is it that Brits are just overly pompous in their sarcastic cynisim?

It's what we're good at. That and self-loathing.

I could ask why is that Americans are overly arrogant in their non-sarcastic optimism. Again, it's what they are good at.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Racism definitely wasn't born in the US, talk about pathetic.....

Hmm, which group of Americans do you suppose the American who made the above comment belongs to?

I think the UK is behind the more progressive, educated, first-world states of the US but ahead of the more third-world ones on this score. 

0 ( +2 / -2 )

See you do care about what the world thinks of America!

I never did and never will.

It's nice when you expose your hypocrisy in the same thread, so new readers don't need to cross check your comments from other threads to see your hypocrisy.

No, I’m just proud of my country of what it is and what it has done to uplift and bring and help millions despite it now being perfect still the greatest democracies on the planet.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Crapchat- agree 100%. In the U.S. this is called virtue signaling. Practiced by some of the most racist people like Hollywood, media, politicians, elites, etc. Cheap gestures to try to show they are decent people.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Crapchat- agree 100%. In the U.S. this is called virtue signaling. Practiced by some of the most racist people like Hollywood, media, politicians, elites, etc. Cheap gestures to try to show they are decent people.

I see.

We can see what you are against.

So what practical steps to you recommend to deal with racism?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

These are positive steps taken by these teams, but I did not see where it says that the league is endorsing those teams and their players in this movement, which it should.

It is good, to see such activism in UK sports, as the UK recently has been showing solidarity with the US on many racially charged matters.

Especially because the UK has played a leading role in the oppression of black people.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Especially because the UK has played a leading role in the oppression of black people.

I think the walls are closing in on racism though…

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It should definitely be continued. Good luck to the whole movement.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I whole-heartidly agree with :

“Racist abuse in any form on any platform cannot be tolerated and together we must keep fighting it,"

However when you're at a football match between two opposing teams, the amount of hateful words being uttered against the opposing team & their supporters - way far surpasses those against a person of color in the team.

So, I think there's two types of "Racism" - That said, the old saying "Sticks and Stones can break by bones, but words can't harm me" should still ring true - Racism that involves physical action should be absolutely not tolerated one bit and come down upon hard. Casual Verbal racism, like using the "N" word, just as is often heard by uttered by "Blacks" in Movies - should that fall under the Racism banner ? (I don't think so)

If a group of skin-heads taunt a colored family in the street, blocking their way, and shouting the "N" word at them - should that be Racism ? (I think this would be, as there was threatening behavior involved)

If an old guy recounting a War story, referred to his Colored colleagues with a fondly recalled N word phrase, would that be Racism ? (I don't think so)

And what about the BLM movement within Africa itself ? Well.. let's probably not go to that discussion, as I guess the BLM idea is mainly focused upon equality within non-black countries. But what about other inequalities within those same Counties - Female Lives Matter, LGBT Lives matter, etc.

There is a common underlying complaint within all of these groups - Equality.... so going back to "Football" - why don't the Female Football players get paid the same as their Male Counterparts - surely there is an "Equality" matter there that needs addressing ?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Better spend more money and help black people instead of kneeling, which costs zero money and is meaningless.

As others have pointed out, go Google Kick It Out. Just because you can’t be bothered to look up the action footballs have taken doesn’t mean they haven’t taken any. It’s like all those people who are convinced Colin Kaepernick has done nothing but kneel, despite him having donated millions to anti-racism causes.

No, I’m just proud of my country of what it is and what it has done to uplift and bring and help millions

bass.exe is a bit late to the party. Simone probably forgot to boot it up this morning. But hey, I’m sure all those Central American death squads, Iranian monarchs, afghani Taliban, South American dictators, narco-paramilitaries, and private mercenaries are thankful for the uplifting. After all, what’s a few million civilian casualties in the face of spreading ‘freedom’? Guys like these footballers and Colin Kaepernick have to kneel cuz apparently the UK and the US aren’t as good at uplifting as they claim.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Kneeling, what for? What does that bring anyone here or there? With their money I could change a whole hungry African village into a super developing hub, shining into the whole neighboring regions.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Pointless virtue signaling here we go again. Utter hypocrisy when players (ex. Dele Alli, Dembele easily come to mind) themselves are being racists and yet they take the knee to protest against what again??? The whole circus of arresting fans and getting people fired for posting monkey emojis or racist statements only further highlights the double standards. I don’t see players being fired or arrested for posting racist contents (bearing in mind they have way more eyes reading their posts). One wonders is it money and status at work here or the fact that those players are of a ‘perpetually victimized race’ hence it does not fit the racism narrative….

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Change must start at the top, for it to have real meaning.

The British Royal Family, along with an appropriate act of Parliament, should reinstate the Royal standing of Prince Harry and Princess Megan , then change the order of secession to make them next in line for the throne, then Queen Elizabeth could abdicate , giving the Commonwealth their first non white ruler, Queen Megan!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Arsenal forever. Always multicultural.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"We need to keep demonstrating that message — now more than ever. We hope these actions continue to have an impact and lead to positive change, especially with fans back supporting us in the stadium.

This is what the UK needs. Keep pressure on the UK public to confront head on racism.

Remember Mark Duggan and the 2011 riots.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

zichiToday  03:25 pm JST

Of these, 123 were posted by people overseas, while 34 came from the UK.

Whether the Brits were overseas or at home when they posted does not disguise the fact the UK society is filled with racism. Let's not try and deflect from the point of the article and discussion.

Remember Stephen Lawrence.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

The British Royal Family, along with an appropriate act of Parliament, should reinstate the Royal standing of Prince Harry and Princess Megan , then change the order of secession to make them next in line for the throne, then Queen Elizabeth could abdicate , giving the Commonwealth their first non white ruler, Queen Megan!

Hysterical.

Police have arrested 11 people as they continue a hate crimes investigation into social media messages sent after the Euro 2020 final. The UK Football Policing Unit received 600 reports of racist comments sent to England's black players after the defeat and judged 207 to be criminal.

Yet more examples of the UK acknowledging racism and taking practical steps. Great stuff.

Whether the Brits were overseas or at home when they posted does not disguise the fact the UK society is filled with racism. Let's not try and deflect from the point of the article and discussion.

More taking of the knee and parading anti-racist messages needed, eh?

A bit wokey on your part, but it can’t do any harm.

Remember Stephen Lawrence.

We all do. It was a rare event. Tragic, sickening and horrific, but thankfully rare.

That kind of event is much more common is certain other countries.

Sickening.

Do you think taking the knee and wearing anti-racist slogans could help?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Racial injustices and ingrained inequalities are apparent in UK society, sports, and is evident in workplaces.

To root out racism, owners of sport teams and employers need to critically appraise their organizational culture from top to bottom and address racism at a systemic level by looking at where it is embedded in their own organizations.

And individuals should engage in similar self-reflection.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

It is sad many miss the simple points here; too much CNN.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

zichiToday  06:46 pm JST

American black racism is built on 300 years of slavery of 4 million people who even after the end of it were subjected to segregation and the lack of voting rights. Many African Americans are descendants of slavery.

The US is only 245 yers old.

In the UK we are standing up and confronting racism, not only in sports but within society too. How to improve the lives of the 1,864,890 (3.3% of the total population) blacks living in England and Wales. Scotland is a different country when it comes to football and politics.

See? That is what more people need to do. Admit and confront the existence of racism head on.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

zichiToday  06:53 pm JST

It's good to know that English football even attracts Americans who have zero interest in the game. Happy to know your interest in our national sport. Watch, you might learn something too.

Americans have zero interest--that is why there are more teams in Major League Soccer in the US the there are teams in the Premier League.

And attendance at some of the games in the US outnumbers that at Premier League games,

Finally, soccer is played by roughly 4 times as many Americans as Brits.

I guess all those numbers add up to zero interest.

zichiToday  06:46 pm JST

I have followed my football club, Liverpool, since they were in the second division. About 65 years. 

Then you would know Liverpool is owned by an American company.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

zichiToday  07:34 pm JST

American Major League Soccer only has 335 born American players. The rest are imports. It's where European players go for a vacation and earn their pension money.

Really? 335 is huge; there are only about 400 American born players in Major League Baseball. How many UK-born players in MLB? 0?

There are only about 20 Europeans playing in MLS. Most foreigners are from Central or South America.

I guess the 50 Americans playing professionally in Europe are earning pensions too.

But that is the difference with the US and UK fans--Americans don't care where the players are from, because we are interested in the game, not in clinging to provincialism.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

zichiToday  08:25 pm JST

No American League Soccer club will ever be able to equal the great achievements of clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona. 

The English Premier League is the most vigorous and hardest to play in.

Nah.

zichiToday  08:33 pm JST

There are about 600 footballers from Europe in the MLS

So? You're not from Europe. But is sounds like there are more players in MLS than in the Premier League huh?

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But that is the difference with the US and UK fans--Americans don't care where the players are from, because we are interested in the game, not in clinging to provincialism.

Spectacularly inaccurate. Astounding.

Ask Arsenal fans ( or anyone else ) who some of the best and most loved Arsenal players of all time are. Almost all will mention Henry ( French ), Bergkamp ( Dutch ), Viera ( French ).

Man U fans - Ronaldo ( Portuguese ), Keane ( Irish ), Schmeichel ( Danish ), Cantona ( French ).

Man City - Silva ( Spanish ), De Bruyne ( Belgian ), Yaya Toure ( Ivorian ), Aguero ( Argentinian ).

Liverpool - Suarez ( Uruguayan ), Salah ( Egyptian ), Mane ( Senegalese ), Van Dijk ( Dutch ).

Chelsea - Zola ( Italian ), Drogba ( Ivorian ), Hazard ( Belgian ), Essien ( Ghanaian ).

I can keep going through almost all premier league teams here but that should be enough to shoot down your point.

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JimizoToday  08:47 pm JST

Spectacularly inaccurate. Astounding. 

Ask Arsenal fans ( or anyone else ) who some of the best and most loved Arsenal players of all time are. Almost all will mention Henry ( French ), Bergkamp ( Dutch ), Viera ( French ). 

Man U fans - Ronaldo ( Portuguese ), Keane ( Irish ), Schmeichel ( Danish ), Cantona ( French ). 

Man City - Silva ( Spanish ), De Bruyne ( Belgian ), Yaya Toure ( Ivorian ), Aguero ( Argentinian ).

Liverpool - Suarez ( Uruguayan ), Salah ( Egyptian ), Mane ( Senegalese ), Van Dijk ( Dutch ). 

Chelsea - Zola ( Italian ), Drogba ( Ivorian ), Hazard ( Belgian ), Essien ( Ghanaian ). 

I can keep going through almost all premier league teams here but that should be enough to shoot down your point.

Incredible statement in light of the long-time racism in soccer as a whole in Europe and the UK!

First, we got your fellow Brit even against foreign ownership:

zichiToday  07:34 pm JST

I am against foreign ownership of the clubs. Prefer the German system where the clubs are owned by the fans.

Second, this happened in the Premier League this year as per this article:

United striker Marcus Rashford was among the Black players for England who were subjected to racist abuse online after they missed penalty kicks in the decisive European Championship shootout against Italy.

Your point is destroyed.

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