Downing Street responds to Neville’s criticism of Johnson

[ad_1]

Downing Street has dismissed Gary Neville’s accusations that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson undermined efforts to promote equality by failing to condemn fans who booed players by kneeling.

Earlier today, Johnson condemned the “appalling” racist abuse by some England players on social media following their Euro 2020 final loss to Italy, saying the team deserved to be hailed as ” hero ”and not to be subjected to hatred online.

However, Neville, speaking to Sky News, was outraged at the Prime Minister’s comments.

“I’m just reading your latest news, and it says the Prime Minister condemns racist abuse against England players,” he said.

“Is this the same PM as a few weeks ago … I mean Gareth Southgate a few weeks ago, about five days trotting, told us the players were on their knees to promote equality , and it was against racism.

“The Prime Minister said that it is normal for the people of this country to boo the players who try to promote equality and defend themselves against racism.

“It starts at the top. So for me, I wasn’t surprised at all when I woke up this morning to these headlines. I was expecting it the minute the three players who missed out, got missed.

“There is a problem, obviously in football, there is a problem in society, where we think it is basically okay to criticize players for sports actions because of the color of their skin.

“But I have to say, accept and validate the players who kneel down, like I say who were promoting equality, inclusion and defending against racism, it comes from the top. You know very well. that if your parents do something, your children will follow.

“[Johnson] says Muslim women look like letterboxes, ”Neville added, referring to a 2018 column he wrote for The Telegraph.

“Gareth Southgate and Boris Johnson are poles apart.”

In response, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister presented this morning his response to some of the horrific comments we have seen.

“He said this England team deserved to be hailed as a hero free from racist abuse on social media, those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.

“The Prime Minister made it clear that he wanted to see everyone behind the team to cheer them on. He made it clear on the 11th, before England’s first game.”

Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

[ad_2]