St Albans' MP has blasted people who boo sports stars taking the knee before matches.
The debate around taking the knee ignited once more after several England players were racially abused following the Euro 2020 final defeat on Sunday.
MP Daisy Cooper said: “Time and time again, our footballers have explained that taking the knee is an act against racism, and for them specifically, against racism in football.
“Those who chose to boo only help to spread hatred and division.
“When it first happened, Johnson refused to condemn them and Priti Patel openly defended the rights of fans to boo whilst dismissing the act of taking the knee as ‘gesture politics’.
“As player Tyrone Mings so aptly put it, this ‘stokes the fire’. The Tories’ fabrication of a so-called ‘culture war’ may win a few votes, but it divides the country."
Taking the knee in sport started in 2016 when American footballer Colin Kaepernick took the knee during the national anthem before a game.
The American footballer said he couldn’t stand to show pride in the flag of a country that oppressed black people.
Taking the knee has become an anti-racist statement used in sport and protests.
Boris Johnson has been criticised for initially failing to condemn the booing, with his spokesman previously saying he “fully respects the right of those who choose to peacefully protest and make their feelings known”.
The Lib Dem politician continued: “We are all proud of our three lions, who have shown more compassion, courage and leadership than this shambles of a Government put together.”
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