|
England get shirty on racism
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-04 08:49
England will wear shirts bearing an anti-racism message in next week’s
friendly against Holland.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. England will depart from a
century of tradition by wearing shirts bearing an anti-racist message when
they take the field for next week's international football friendly
against Holland.[AFP] |
It will be the first time in 133 years of international football the front of
the famous shirt will have carried anything other than the three lions badge and
manufacturer’s logo.
The team will wear red shirts at Villa Park on Wednesday with a slogan on the
front and the ‘Kick It Out’ badge on the sleeves.
England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said: “This is a unique opportunity for fans
and players to join together to speak out against racism. The players are always
very proud to wear the England shirt but this time it will have even more
meaning for them.”
The move by the Football Association follows an announcement by Holland that
they are planning their own anti-racism message by wearing a black and white kit
instead of their traditional orange.
England’s black players have been the target of racist abuse in several of
their last internationals, most-recently when Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley
Cole were targeted during a friendly against Spain in Madrid in November.
Rio Ferdinand joined Thierry Henry in launching an anti-racism campaign last
week. The Arsenal player was also the subject of a racist jibe by Spain’s
manager Luis Aragones during a training-ground tirade at Henry’s club-mate Jose
Reyes.
FIFA have given the FA special permission to wear the shirts and fans will be
asked to hold up cards with an anti-racism message during the national anthems.
|
 | | | Women's Soccer: China 0-2 Germany | | |  | | | Yao-Shaq showdown in Miami | | |  | | | Rockets lose to Kings 117-111 | | |
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
Today's
Top News |
|
|
|
Top Sports
News |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
