Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Chris Slater

Manchester United's emphatic response to football's racism storm

Manchester United players have spoken out against 'disgusting' discrimination as part of a new hard-hitting club video.

Saturday's match with West Ham has been chosen as the club's annual fixture for its All Red All Equal campaign.

It will see displays around Old Trafford the club saying it is "reaffirming its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion".

And ahead of the game, the club have released footage of several of the club's first team squad, both men and women, giving their views on racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.

It says that "football is going through a time where we are still seeing discrimination".

In the powerful film, the likes of Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Anthony Martial amongst others are shown real life racist and discriminatory social media posts and are asked for their reaction.

Banners about the campaign have been erected at Old Trafford ahead of Saturday's game (Manchester United)

One that is shown says: "Why don't you get on your banana boat and go back to where you came from?"

Jesse Lingard replies saying: "There's no place for that anywhere" whilst Juan Mata says "no one asked that in reality, right?"

Another message says: "A women's team? Ha ha. Get back in the kitchen girls."

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba can equal Thierry Henry Arsenal record in West Ham fixture

The two players Sir Alex Ferguson used as an example to his Manchester United squad  

United women's goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain replies saying: "I've heard that a million times before" whilst midfielder Fred simply says "no way."

Football's problem with racism and discrimination has come back into focus after a number of incidents in recent weeks and months.

England players were the target of racist chants in their qualifier in Montenegro last month.

Jesse Lingard labels racist messages shown in the video as disgusting (Manchester United)

And only last night, Chelsea were condemned a number of their own fans filmed singing a derogatory racist song about Mohammed Salah, which Liverpool described as "unadulterated bigotry."

The All Red All Equal initiative aims to combat all types of discrimination and has the support of Stonewall, Kick It Out, Level Playing Field and the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association (MUDSA) amongst others.

Speaking about the campaign, United’s managing director, Richard Arnold said: "The club has worked closely with many equality stakeholders to ensure that our inclusion and diversity work is supporting a wide range of initiatives.

"We are privileged to have staff and supporters from diverse backgrounds, and embrace the responsibility we have to make a positive impact on all those who visit Old Trafford and support the club, no matter where they are in the world."

Joao Felix vs Jadon Sancho - which wonderkid should Manchester United sign?

What Manchester United goalkeeping coach told David De Gea about Lionel Messi before Barcelona game

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.