Great Britain's women footballers will use the platform of being first into Olympic action to give a very public show of support to England’s abused Euro 2020 stars, writes Alex Spink in Tokyo.
Hege Riise’s team were appalled by the racial abuse suffered by Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka in the wake of last week’s Wembley final penalty shootout loss to Italy.
They have confirmed they will highlight the fight against racism and discrimination by taking a knee before their matches, starting against Chile in Sapporo on Wednesday, two days before the Games officially open.
Joint captain Kim Little said: ”Because we are the first sport to take the field of play we wanted to show that message and put it on that platform to highlight the changes that are needed."
The International Olympic Committee has relaxed its Rule 50 to allow peaceful protest prior to competition, though sanctions remain for any protests made on the medal podium.
From the start Team GB has supported its athletes right to protest and indeed encouraged them to express themselves over causes they feel strongly about.
“Certainly the women's football team here feel very strongly about the online abuse and about the racism Kick It Out campaign and about taking a knee,” said chef de mission Mark England, who told Sky Sports News the team had been "disgusted" by the racial abuse which follow last week’s final.
“We absolutely support them in that."
Leah Williamson added: "I don't think this is the time to go silent on this issue and it's just been proven the other day with the boys in England's squad.
"It should be something that we celebrate, the diversity that we have in Britain."
Striker Ellen White agreed: “I feel really lucky to be part of a group that wants change to stop racism, discrimination and to stand in solidarity with those that have been affected.
"We all spoke about it and the whole group felt the same. Hopefully us doing this will promote change and stop the racism and discrimination because it is not okay.”
Jamie Murray is to join brother Andy in Team GB's tennis squad after Dan Evans tested positive for Covid. Tokyo will be Murray's fourth Olympics.
"I am delighted that Jamie will be joining us on the plane to Tokyo," said Team GB tennis boss Iain Bates.
"It is great to have an athlete of Jamie's experience and calibre as part of the team and I look forward to the Games starting in just over a week's time."
