The FA have urged England fans not to boo the players when they take the knee during Euro 2020 in a passionate plea ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia.
As has been the case before Premier League matches for the past year, the Three Lions will continue to take the knee in protest against racism with players continuing to be subjected to abuse.
There were boos as England players performed the gesture ahead of their warm-up victories against Austria and Romania, with Gareth Southgate insisting his side will continue to take the knee and that it is conducted in support of fellow players rather than as a political statement.
And with fears there could be boos again when the Three Lions face Croatia in their Euro 2020 opener on Sunday, the FA have released a passionate statement, urging irate fans to consider their actions and unify in support of the side.
“Tomorrow, our England senior men’s team will begin their EURO 2020 campaign at our home, Wembley Stadium,” the FA said in a statement.
“Major tournaments don’t come around often and when they do, it’s an opportunity to unite friends, families and the country. This collective support is what spurs our team on during challenging moments and it gives them the best chance of succeeding.
“As the team has reiterated many times, they will collectively take the knee ahead of their fixtures during the tournament.
“They are doing this as a mechanism of peacefully protesting against discrimination, injustice and inequality. This is personally important to the players and the values the team collectively represents.
“This gesture of unity and fighting against inequality can be traced back as far as the 18th century. It is not new, and English football has made it very clear that it does not view this as being aligned to a political organisation or ideology. There can be no doubt as to why the players are taking the knee and what it represents in a footballing context.
“We encourage those that oppose this action to reflect on the message you are sending to the players you are supporting.
“Please respect their wishes and remember that we should all be united in the fight to tackle discrimination. Together.
“They will do their best for you. Please do your best for them.”
