BBC Sports
Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out and the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) are urging England fans to drown out boos with applause during Euro 2020, after England players were booed during pre-match kneeling at two friendlies in Middlesbrough. Kick It Out chief executive Tony Burnett said: “We would urge you to think about how booing impacts the players. The issue we all want to address is tackling discrimination in football. Gareth Southgate and the England players have made their position really clear — they are taking the knee as an anti-discrimination gesture.” England open their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday 14 June. Booing was drowned out by applause at both friendlies; former England captain Rio Ferdinand called it “refreshing to see.” A new survey found two-thirds of both white and ethnic minority English citizens agreed the national team belongs to people of every race.