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If you think the connection between football & poverty/food shortages is laudable (eg food bank collections, banners, etc) but think players taking making statements against racism is “too political” & “shouldn’t be involved in sport,” it’s not politics you’re uncomfortable with.
Whiteness and issues of social class are often seen as neutral in politics—when people call something “identity politics” or “divisive” what they usually mean is “this is something that does not affect people that look like me.”
I wouldnt be surprised if every team in this country had a pre-agreed plan of what they’ll do if a teammate is subjected to racial abuse during a match. Ajax’s Onana was told he wasn’t wanted in Italy bc a sporting dieter or told his agent ‘a black goalkeeper is complicated here’
Football does not exist apart from society, players are human beings, and they can stand up for issues that they care about even if it makes you uncomfortable. It says a lot that Rashford is lauded for fighting hunger in kids but players are mocked for speaking against racism.
