Boris Johnson has finally spoken out against people booing the England players taking the knee.
The Prime Minister previously failed to condemn the minority of fans who booed players ahead of Euro 2020, but today, a spokesman from No10 has told fans to “cheer not boo” ahead of the tournament which kicks off tonight when Turkey play Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.
Asked if Boris Johnson supports England players taking the knee, the spokesperson said: “Yes. The Prime Minister respects the rights of all people to peacefully protest and make their feelings known about injustices.”
The move comes just days after England manager Gareth Southgate publicly criticised those who booed his players in England’s warm-up games against Austria and Romania.
In an incredibly powerful open letter to the fans in The Players’ Tribune, Southgate highlighted the importance of fighting against racial injustice and that he, and the players, have a responsibility to the wider community to use their voice to do just that.
He said: "It's their duty to continue to interact with the public on matters such as equality, inclusivity and racial injustice, while using the power of their voices to help put debates on the table, raise awareness and educate."
And now it finally seems as though Johnson is willing to share that same message: “I think the Prime Minister has spoken before about his desire for everybody to get behind the national team,” added the spokesman.
“And the Prime Minster would like to see everybody get behind the team to cheer them on, not boo.”
The England players open their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday afternoon and will hoping for a positive reaction from the fans before, during and after the match.
