JERMAIN Defoe believes that “taking the knee” before games in a show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement has raised awareness of the racist abuse of players and changed attitudes towards black and ethnic minority players.
Former Spurs and England striker Defoe was a passionate advocate of Scottish teams following the lead of their counterparts around the world and making the pre-match gesture this summer.
The Rangers centre forward is delighted they have done so and has expressed hope it will continue to be a feature of matches in this country and further afield going forward.
Connor Goldson, the Ibrox centre half, was abused online after posting a picture of himself making a clenched fist salute before a pre-season friendly in France in July on Instagram.
However, his team mate feels that “taking the knee” is generating positive change throughout society in general, not just in sport, and is keen for it to keep happening in future.
He said: “The positive is probably the awareness and all the high-profile people - not just in football, but in sport in general - that have used their platforms to keep the movement going.
“Everyone seems to be talking about it, which is something that we wanted. That change.
“You watch the stuff that is happening in America with the basketball and the levels that they are going to.
“Taking a knee continuing before the game is not just for the black players. I think it is for everyone, to be honest.”
Defoe added: “You look at the marches and all these people together show this generation, if you like, is not going to tolerate racism and stuff like that, which is nice.
“I would like to think that it will continue and there will be some big changes, because it is definitely needed.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here