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      in Soccer

      Millwall condemn fans booing after stars take knee as Agbonlahor claims he was racially abused by 12-year-old at The Den

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      MILLWALL finally condemned their own supporters who booed the players taking a knee.
      And Gabby Agbonlahor revealed he was racially abused by a 12-year-old at The Den as the Lions’ fanbase came under criticism again.

      Millwall condemned the fans who booed their players taking a knee before kick-off against DerbyCredit: Alamy Live News

      On the day 2,000 home fans were allowed back in at Millwall, many overshadowed the occasion by verbalising their disgust at the taking of a knee.
      Players continue to use the gesture before kick-offs to highlight the ongoing fight to eradicate racial discrimination in society – although some clubs distanced themselves from supporting the Black Lives Matter movement directly for political reasons.
      The booing at The Den took place just a day after Millwall had released a statement, signalling their intentions to keep taking a knee before matches until they unveil ‘a new and comprehensive anti-discrimination strategy’ in the New Year.
      And almost 24 hours after the incident ahead of the 1-0 defeat to Wayne Rooney’s men, Millwall hit out at their own supporters who ‘marred’ the day.

      A club statement said: “Millwall Football Club was dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday’s game against Derby County at The Den.
      “The club has worked tirelessly in recent months to prepare for the return of supporters and what should have been a positive and exciting occasion was completely overshadowed, much to the immense disappointment and upset of those who have contributed to those efforts.
      “The impact of such incidents is felt not just by the players and management, but by those who work throughout the club and in its Academy and Community Trust, where so many staff and volunteers continue passionate endeavours to enhance Millwall’s reputation day after day, year after year.
      “The club will not allow their fine work to be in vain.

      “The players are continuing to use the biggest platform they have to support the drive for change, not just in football but in society generally.
      “There is much work to be done and at Millwall everyone is committed to doing all that is possible, both individually and collectively, to be a force for good and to ensure that the club remains at the forefront of football’s anti-discrimination efforts.”
      Millwall added that club representatives will meet with anti-racism football organisation Kick It Out.
      Aston Villa hero Agbonhalor recalled his disgusting experience at the South London stadium – and insisted if he was a Millwall player today he would refuse to play for the club again.
      He told talkSPORT: “I’m not surprised to be honest.
      “If there was one stadium where I would say this would have happened with fans going back in, it is exactly this stadium.
      “Because when I played there, I was on the bench for an FA Cup game, and I was racially abused by 12-year-olds to 70-year-olds whilst I’m warming up.
      “At the time I’m just looking at them like, ‘Why?’ I was just laughing at them.

      But having to say this is a pain but I’ll say it every single damn time this is why I STAND and STAND PROUD and I have to say every single person involved with @dcfcofficial did too made me proud to wear this shirt with the boys today!!! Absolute disgrace.. pic.twitter.com/lVsdb1KUpa
      — Colin Kazim-Richards (@ColinKazim) December 5, 2020

      “You know that swearing at a player is normal – you get that at every away ground you go to. But to bring race into it shows what sort of fans some of their fans are.”
      Millwall’s Mahlon Romero blasted his club’s fans for disrespecting him.
      He said: “What they’ve done is booed and condemned a peaceful gesture which was put in place to highlight, combat and stop any discriminatory behaviour and racism. That’s it – that’s all that gesture is.
      “It has offended me and everyone who works for this club – the players and the staff.
      “I’m almost lost for words. I don’t know how they thought that would make me feel. I don’t know what they thought taking a knee stood for.”

      Gabby Agbonlahor revealed he was racially abused by children while warming up as a sub at The DenCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Full Millwall Statement

      MILLWALL Football Club was dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday’s game against Derby County at The Den.
      The club has worked tirelessly in recent months to prepare for the return of supporters and what should have been a positive and exciting occasion was completely overshadowed, much to the immense disappointment and upset of those who have contributed to those efforts.
      The impact of such incidents is felt not just by the players and management, but by those who work throughout the club and in its Academy and Community Trust, where so many staff and volunteers continue passionate endeavours to enhance Millwall’s reputation day after day, year after year.
      The club will not allow their fine work to be in vain.
      The players are continuing to use the biggest platform they have to support the drive for change, not just in football but in society generally.
      There is much work to be done and at Millwall everyone is committed to doing all that is possible, both individually and collectively, to be a force for good and to ensure that the club remains at the forefront of football’s anti-discrimination efforts.
      Over the coming days, club, Academy and Community Trust staff will meet with Kick It Out and representatives from other appropriate bodies in an attempt to use Saturday’s events as a catalyst for more rapid solutions which have an impact both in the short and long-term.
      Further comment will be made once those meetings and discussions are concluded.

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle hero Shaka Hislop reveals vile racist abuse left him ‘scared for his life’ before thugs asked for an AUTOGRAPH

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      FORMER Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop revealed how vile racist abuse left him ‘scared for his life’ – before the thugs asked for an autograph.
      The former Newcastle star, 51, was targeted when filling up his car with petrol outside St James’ Park 25 years ago as teh Toon challenged for the title.

      Shaka Hislop opened up on the time he was racially abused filling his car up with petrolCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He felt ‘frozen with fear’ as the youths hurled the abuse at the 6ft 4ins stopper – and then they realised who he was.
      Hislop said: “When you are in front of it, you are scared, ­genuinely, for your life. No exaggeration.
      “It is such a ­shuddering experience.
      “Then, as they got closer, one recognised who I was, and they started singing my name and wanted ­autographs.”

      The incident had a lasting impact on Hislop, whose Toon side fell away in the second half of the season to miss out on the Premier League title.
      The ex-Reading, West Ham and Portsmouth man, who was born in Hackney, East London but played internationally for Trinidad and Tobago, explained how the experience drove him to join the fight to end racism.
      He has used his profile in football and spent the last 25 years playing his part in eradicating racism and teaching the next generation.
      Hislop partnered with Ged Grebby, now Show Racism The Red Card’s chief executive.

      The charity was set up in January 1996, a month after the petrol station incident, and has now reached one million children.
      The ex-Newcastle goalkeeper added: “I was a black footballer worthy of the most vile racist abuse from 50 yards away, but worthy of having my name sung from 50ft away.
      “I felt the need to do ­something. I understood how highly footballers were regarded about town and how that ­platform could be used to ­challenge the stereotypes and have a discussion about race.
      “It started with school visits. My team-mate John Beresford joined me, and we talked of our experiences and what we had learned ­sharing dressing rooms with people from all over the world.”

      When we got involved in this work, it’s a promise to our children to build a better world. I felt I had failed on my promise.
      Shaka Hislop

      Now living in the United States, Hislop works as a presenter for ESPN and continued: “I have gone through every emotion over the past year.
      “The George Floyd murder hung very heavily. When we got involved in this work, it’s a promise to our children to build a better world. I felt I had failed on my promise.
      “Recently my friend Leroy Rosenior said to me, ‘Shaka, you can’t feel it like that. See this as a relay. We’re ­running the third leg. It is up to us to deliver the baton to our kids in the best position, and give them the courage and confidence to run the final leg.’
      “That was empowering. It shed me of the guilt I was ­feeling. We went into Boston and joined a Black Lives Matter march.
      “You see the youth and diversity of the crowd, and the energy, and that is when I recognised what Leroy was saying.”

      Hislop is now living in the United States where he works as a presenter for ESPN

      Callum Hudson-Odoi calls for ‘massive change in football’ as Chelsea winger talks racism with Paul Canoville More

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      in Soccer

      Callum Hudson-Odoi calls for ‘massive change in football’ as Chelsea winger talks racism with Paul Canoville

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      CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI called for ‘massive change in football’ in order to end racism in the sport.
      The Chelsea winger, 20, sat down with Paul Canoville, the Blues’ first black player, to discuss their own experiences.

      Callum Hudson-Odoi says big changes need to be made to eradicate racism in footballCredit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC

      The current Chelsea winger sat down with former Chelsea winger Paul Canoville to share their experiences Credit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC

      And the youngster says it is time to start seeing decisions made to eradicate the vile abuse – in stadiums, in public and on social media.
      In the conversation, supported by Beats by Dr Dre’s You Love Me campaign celebrating black culture and resilience, Hudson-Odoi said: “There’s got to be a massive change.
      “We keep saying it day in day out, we’ve got to change something in football because you don’t want to feel that kind of way about anything.
      “Whether it’s in the stadium and you’re hearing racist abuse, or you’re on social media and you’re seeing racial abuse – you shouldn’t be hearing that at all.

      “Our skin colour should never affect football. I love my colour, I love being black.”
      On dealing with racists, he added: “You want to look at them and give them a reaction.
      “But sometimes you giving them a reaction makes them feel like, ‘We want to do more – we want to carry on doing it to you because you’re giving us what we want. You’re giving us that reaction that we’re winning.’”
      Hudson-Odoi was racially abused on his first senior start for England in Montenegro last year.

      Canoville was the first black player to play for the Blues, spending five years at the club in the early 1980sCredit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC

      Home supporters directed a number of monkey chants at him and his team-mates including Raheem Sterling and Danny Rose.
      But he praised trailblazers such as Canoville for the work they have done to help break down barriers in society.
      The academy graduate said: “I really appreciate the way you handled your situation.
      “You made a big statement for everyone to understand that black players can come through, make a name for themselves and be proud of their skin colour.”
      Canoville, 58, made his Blues debut in April 1982 but was not accepted by many of the Stamford Bridge supporters simply because he was black.
      And the fan base have been involved in high-profile incidents more recently involving Sterling, Mo Salah and a black commuter on the Paris Metro.
      In July, so-called Chelsea supporters then targeted Tammy Abraham after defeat to Sheffield United despite the ongoing support for the Black Lives Matter movement from football.
      Canoville told Hudson-Odoi about his experiences when he got his first run-out for the club: “That day was a surprise that shocked me and knocked me for six.

      Canoville opened up on the abuse he suffered from his own supportersCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      Hudson-Odoi was targeted by racists during England’s game in Montenegro last yearCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “As a young black lad who was warming up after being given the nod from his manager and thinking, ‘Yeah I’m ready, I’m going to strip off,’ and then I hear this racist abuse.
      “It does affect you because I went home after thinking, ‘What did I do wrong? What can I do better?’
      “For me, it’s what my parents went through. I was proud to be black. It was so difficult when they came over on the Windrush that my mum wanted to better herself and found it difficult.
      “This [colour of my skin] shouldn’t have to get in the way. I just don’t understand it and that still continues to this very day.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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      Afghan-born Maziar Kouhyar reveals he was called ‘terrorist’ by Walsall team-mate sparking huge training-ground bust-up

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      MAZIAR KOUHYAR has recalled the moment one of his Walsall team-mates called him a ‘terrorist’.
      The 23-year-old moved to Birmingham with his family from Afghanistan in 1998 and became the first Afghan-born footballer to play in England’s top four divisions.

      The midfielder racked up 32 appearances for Walsall between 2016 and 2019Credit: PA:Press Association

      Kouhyar signed for Walsall in 2016 – but is currently on the lookout for a new club.
      The midfielder has finally lifted the lid on the racial abuse he received while playing for the League Two side.
      He has claimed that he did not speak out before as he did not want to cause any ‘trouble’.

      As cited by the MailOnline, he said: “We were just training and one of the lads said something to me about being a terrorist.
      “I laughed it off, but he said it again. When he said it again, I commented back something like ‘you’re forcing the laughter now’ or ‘you’ve already tried once, don’t try it again’ – just something to make people laugh at him.
      “He didn’t like that. We started pushing each other and the players split us up.
      “A member of staff was there while all this happened, and heard it all and saw it all.

      “So I expected I’d get called into the office maybe after training to see if I was alright, maybe the player would have some sanctions, but it never got mentioned again.

      “I didn’t want to bring anything up. I was trying to get into the first team and get more minutes, so I didn’t want to cause any bad blood, any trouble that would stop me from playing, so I didn’t mention anything either, even though it was hurtful to me.
      “Calling me a terrorist was hurtful to me – my family fled from Afghanistan because of terrorists. Calling me that is a bit close to home.”
      Kouhyar also recalled an incident that happened on the team bus in Luton.
      He added: “We’d go on the bus to Luton, which has got a large Asian community.
      “They (his team-mates) would see an Asian family outside the bus and say ‘ah, look, there’s your auntie’. It’s on a coach so it’s in front of everyone.
      “You have to take it on the chin. You don’t want to be the awkward one who can’t take a joke, which was how it got perceived back then.
      “Now, with the Black Lives Matter movement pushing forward that kind of banter wouldn’t happen any more, people understand the implications of it. Back then, they just saw it as a joke, so I had to see it as a joke.

      Maziar Kouhyar signed for Walsall in 2016
      “I’ve never thought to speak out because I’ve always thought in my head ‘you’re going to be labelled a troublemaker’, but now seeing people like Raheem Sterling speak out about it, it’s given me the confidence to say, ‘if you’ve got a voice, you should tell your story’.”
      However, Kouhyar puts no blame on Walsall as a club.
      He said: “It is nothing against Walsall – it’s just the whole football culture.
      “I had so many good friends at the club, but these things do happen all over football and we need to tackle them.”
      A statement from Walsall read: “As a club we have always prided ourselves on being all inclusive.
      “Should Maz have raised any of his concerns at the time with the hierarchy here at the club, they would have been taken very seriously and dealt with swiftly.
      “We have a zero tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind and would not condone any such behaviour.
      “Even though he has now left the club we would of course like to deal with his concerns if he is able to provide specific detail.
      “He was a valuable member of the club from the age 15 where he progressed through the youth ranks to earn a professional contract before sadly rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in April 2019.
      “Despite being out of contract in June, Maz completed his rehabilitation with the club before we parted ways in January 2020.

      Maziar Kouhyar has been inspired to speak out by the likes of Raheem SterlingCredit: AFP or Licensors
      “Maz is one of a number of British Asian players who have followed a similar path with Walsall FC in recent years such as Netan Sansara, Malvind Benning and Jordon Sangha.”
      He racked up 32 appearances for Walsall between 2016 and 2019, but has since been released.
      Kouhyar now works as a car salesman for Toyota while he searches for his next club.

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      in Soccer

      Krasnodar players blasted as only FOUR take knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Chelsea clash

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      KRASNODAR have been blasted after just four players took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before their Champions League clash against Chelsea.
      Some viewers were left outraged as the Blues knelt in solidarity with BLM before kick-off in south-west Russia – but the majority of their opponents failed to follow suit.

      Only four Krasnodar players took a knee before their Champions League game with ChelseaCredit: AFP

      Outraged viewers took to Twitter to express their disgust

      Just four Krasnodar men copied Chelsea’s example at the start of the game.
      Triggered by the death of George Floyd in May, the gesture has been seen as a symbol in the global fight against racism.
      And some took to Twitter to express their disgust at the majority of the Krasnodar team’s behaviour.

      One wrote: “Wow. Watching the game and they took a knee for the end racism campaign and more than half of Krasnodar stood.

      “Just crazy how open racism still is in so many parts of the world.”
      Another said: “So at least half of the Krasnodar team didn’t take the knee for BLM.
      “Why does that not surprise me, from a Russian team?”
      One tweeted: “Really want Krasnodar to get smoked now after that refusal to take a knee.”

      Another added: “Hey @btsport, why are you cutting away from the Krasnodar players not taking the knee?
      “Keep the camera on them and shame them.”
      The game itself had plenty twists and turns, with Jorginho missing a first-half penalty for the visitors.
      But Chelsea took the lead before the break thanks to a strike from winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
      The Blues went on to win 4-0 with Timo Werner scoring from the spot, Hakim Ziyech scoring on his first start and Christian Pulisic grabbing a late goal.

      Wow. Watching the UEFA champions league game between Chelsea and Krasnodar in Russia and they took a knee for the end racism campaign and more than half of Krasnodar team stood. Just crazy how open racism still is in so many parts of the world.
      — Mark Genthner (@MarkGenthner) October 28, 2020

      Really want Krasnodar to get smoked now after that refusal to take a knee
      — Touchy Gooners (@TouchyGooners) October 28, 2020

      Hey @btsport, why are you cutting away from the Krasnodar players not taking the knee? Keep the camera on them and shame them #BLM
      — Alex Hopkins (@alhop10) October 28, 2020

      Man City’s game against Marseille was also overshadowed the previous evening after the French side stood instead of taking the knee.
      According to reports in France, Marseille gathered round the centre circle to hold a minute’s silence for Samuel Paty – a teacher who was murdered in a terrorist attack last week.
      But some were left furious with them for not taking a knee in support of BLM.

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      Marseille players blasted for not taking knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Man City clash

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      MARSEILLE have been blasted for not taking the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before their Champions League clash against Manchester City.
      As the Citizens starting XI took the knee after referee Tobias Stieler blew the whistle to start the game, the Ligue 1 side stood around the centre circle.

      Ligue 1 side Marseille didn’t take the knee ahead of their encounter against Manchester City

      Players, coaches and other staff members have all been taking the knee in England to show their support in the fight against racism.
      Triggered by the death of George Floyd in May, the gesture has been seen as a symbol in the global fight against racism.
      However, French teams have not adopted the pre-match ritual.
      According to reports in France, Marseille gathered round the centre circle to hold a minute’s silence for Samuel Paty – a teacher who was murdered in a terrorist attack last week.

      Marseille’s Twitter account suggested the players showed their support through “unity and respect”.

      Olympique de Marseille is the club of anti-racism.The OM players join the approach of the Manchester City players, demonstrating unity and respect for this fight. pic.twitter.com/LHGteYOcho
      — Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) October 27, 2020

      However, some fans were left furious with Andre Villas-Boas’ side for not taking a knee in support towards the Black Lives Matter movement.
      One fan tweeted: “Marseille players refused to take a knee in tonight’s game vs Man City. Absolutely disgraceful.”
      Another commented: “Marseille refuse to take the knee. Poor show!”

      A third added: “Marseille should be ashamed for not taking the knee.”

      Meanwhile one stated: “F*** Marseille not taking the knee.”
      Manchester City emerged as 3-0 victors away at Marseille to make it two wins out of two in Group C.
      Summer signing Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 18th minute, with Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling finding the back of the net late on.

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      Lewis Hamilton hopes to equal Michael Schumacher’s F1 record – to give him platform to fight against racism

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has the chance to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 victories in F1 this weekend – not that he’s shouting about it.
      In fact, the six-time world champion – who can also win a Schumacher-equalling seventh title this season – seems more focused on his personal crusades against racism and climate change.

      3

      Lewis Hamilton has helped make the fight against racism a central issue for Formula OneCredit: Reuters

      3

      Displays, such as one calling for justice for the police-killed African-American woman Breonna Taylor, have been frequentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Now 35, Hamilton is more mature than when he won his first title in 2008 and intent on using his social media platforms to educate his 26 million followers on Twitter and Instagram.
      He said: “I’ve never been a record person but of course when my name is mentioned in the same context as someone I grew up watching, then it’s like ‘woah’.
      “I have to step back for a second and realise what that actually means. 

      “I think that embarking on these records and achievements creates a platform on which to be able to speak about things that could potentially change peoples lives; for everyone’s children to grow up in a better world.

      “As I get older, and understand the world more – as well as the impact that us humans are having on the world.
      “I’m really getting into technology that is sustainable; changing things in my life so I can have a more positive impact.
      “Trying to think of the bigger picture – we are trying to continue to fight to end racism, and discrimination.
      “This is a constant battle that people have been fighting for hundreds of years. It’s a constant battle now.

      “Being a Formula One driver gives me a voice to amplify to push for positive changes in the world – even far away from racing.
      “Take the current work put into diversity in F1 – it’s something nobody has spoken up about before to this extent.
      “As I get older I realise that my purpose is to continue to do that. Racing and winning and breaking records continues to give me the chance to speak up about these things and push for real change.”
      Hamilton’s record, particularly in the turbo hybrid era, which started in 2014, a year after he joined Mercedes from McLaren, is hugely impressive.

      Fans turn on the TV and see you doing your thing for three days, and think that’s all there is to it.
      Lewis Hamilton

      At the Silver Arrows, he has constantly delivered weekend after weekend and has amassed a total of 90 wins, 96 poles, 159 podiums in just 260 races.
      The accusation is that he is only winning because he is driving the best car, but the best drivers always drive the best cars.
      The reality is he is making it look easy, even if it isn’t.
      In an interview with Monster Energy, he added: “I think people underestimated the time it takes to get to a Grand Prix fully prepared and deliver every time.

      3

      Michael Schumacher’s race wins and world titles record are on the verge of being matched by HamiltonCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Seb Coe will back any athlete that takes a knee at Tokyo Olympics in support of Black Lives Matter movement

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      SEB COE would support any athlete who takes a knee on the Tokyo Olympics podium.
      Pressure is mounting on the IOC to change its Rule 50 which prohibits any form of demonstration at the Games.

      2

      Seb Coe is the highest-profile sports figure to call on the IOC to change its no-protest ruleCredit: Rex Features

      It is thought many stars might use the global platform to promote the Black Lives Matter movement next summer.
      Global Athlete and the BOA’s Athletes’ Commission have also called on Olympics chiefs to allow human-rights activism next year.
      And now Coe, in his capacity as the World Athletics president, has backed anybody thinking of protesting.
      Speaking on a trip to the Japanese capital and inspection of the Olympic national stadium, Coe said:

      “I’ve been very clear, if an athlete wishes to take a knee on a podium, then I am supportive of that.
      “Athletes are a part of the world and they want to reflect the world they live in. For me, that is perfectly acceptable.”
      Coe, who only became an IOC member in July, is the highest-profile administrator to demand a change.
      His big pal, Daley Thompson, told SunSport in June that British athletes should be allowed to take a knee against racism in Tokyo.

      2

      Colin Kaepernick, formerly of San Francisco 49ers, took a knee in 2016 to protest against police brutality and racial inequalityCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Two-time Olympic heptathlon champ Thompson, 62, said: “Some athletes will clearly feel strongly enough to want to take a knee.
      “There should be, whether it’s on the podium or not, a forum for them to stand up and be counted if they want to.
      “At the same time, if people don’t want to, because they’re more interested in getting on with what they want to do, then there are entitled to do that, too.
      “It’s an important cause. All lives matter. Nobody, whether you’re white, black, any nationality, you don’t deserve to be killed for the colour of your skin or for simple prejudice.
      “I think the IOC will try and curry favour with sponsors and allow the athletes some degree of choice in the matter.”

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