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Scotland players WILL take the knee in solidarity with England at Euros

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has confirmed his players will take the knee ahead of next week's E...



Scotland players WILL take the...
Soccer

Scotland players WILL take the knee in solidarity with England at Euros

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has confirmed his players will take the knee ahead of next week's Euro 2020 game with England. 

Since March of this year, Scotland players have been standing before matches rather than kneeling, with Clarke commenting at the time "maybe a little bit diluted".

That stance came about after Rangers player Glen Kamara was racially abused on the field by Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela.

Only on Thursday a Scottish FA statement said, "The squad, coaching staff and backroom members will stand up to racism ahead of the Group D matches against Czech Republic, England and Croatia.”

However, they have now decided to show solidarity with their English counterparts when the old enemies meet at Wembley on Friday next (June 18).

"Our position was – and remains – that the focus must be on meaningful change to fight discrimination in football and wider society," said Scotland captain Andy Robertson.

"In Scotland, the football family has stood against racism all season. It was our collective view that the national team would do the same.

"Our stance is that everyone, players, fans, teams, clubs, federations, governing bodies and governments must do more. Meaningful action is needed if meaningful change is to occur.

"But it is also clear, given the events around the England national team, taking the knee in this tournament matters as a symbol of solidarity.

"For this reason, we have collectively decided to again take the knee as a team for the fixture against England at Wembley Stadium.

"The Scotland team stands against racism but we will kneel against ignorance and in solidarity on June 18."

As Robertson mentions, Scottish players will continue to stand in opposition to racism for their games at Hampden Park with the Czech Republic (June 14) and Croatia (June 22).

England manager Gareth Southgate has won plaudits for his backing of his players with their continuing to take the knee.

In a letter to England fans in the Players Tribune, Southgate wrote, "Beyond the confines of the pitch, we must recognise the impact they can have on society.

"We must give them the confidence to stand up for their teammates and the things that matter to them as people.

"I have never believed that we should just stick to football."

Opposite number Steve. Clarke said on Friday, "In light of divisive and inaccurate comments being perpetuated by individuals and groups, whose views we denounce in the strongest terms, we have reflected today as a group.

"We remain committed to our principles of taking a stand but we must also be unequivocal in condemning the opportunistic false narrative being presented by some.

"We have therefore agreed that we will show solidarity with our counterparts in England, many of whom are team-mates of our own players, and who have found themselves on the receiving end of abuse from fans in recent international matches.

"We will continue to take a stand – together, as one – for our matches at Hampden Park.

"For our match at Wembley, we will stand against racism and kneel against ignorance."

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#BlackLivesMatter Andy Robertson Black Lives Matter Euro 2020 European Championships Gareth Southgate Racism Scotland Steve Clarke