Former Tottenham and Barcelona midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng does not believe movements such as 'Blackout Tuesday' are enough to combat racism.
Earlier this week, millions of black squares were posted across Instagram and Twitter along with the hashtag "#blackouttuesday" as part of a day-long social-media blackout as people looked to show solidarity and support for the Black Lives Matter movement as protests continued to rage across the USA and beyond the following the death of George Floyd while in police custody last week.
While the idea - originally targeted at the music industry and formulated by Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang - was praised by many, it drew criticism from others for obscuring protests as they instead encouraged the sharing of relevant donations, petitions and information.
In a wide-ranging interview with Sky Sports, footballer and anti-racism campaigner Boateng encouraged the use of social media as a powerful tool in the fight against racism, but believes simply posting images of black squares is "too easy" on its own.
Asked if he believes society is doing enough, he said: "Of course not. We have to talk, we have to be louder. We have to use [social media], today it is the biggest platform.
"People might say I only have 100 followers, well maybe you can influence 50 of them. Even showing you as a white person are with us, that gives us so much power. We believe you are with us so we can go forward with a bigger chest.
"No one is doing enough," he added. "#BlackOutTuesday is not enough, it's too easy. Because people are scared to stand for something, to say something because of sponsors or large followings. A black picture is way too easy.
"It's a beautiful message but I'm mad because people have it so easy. If you ever point a finger at them they'll say 'but I posted that picture'. [The picture alone] does not mean anything to me."
