Footballers are taking the knee to ask for tolerance - mainly racial tolerance
‘Mainly racial tolerance’
No, they’re taking the knee because of the reasons they’ve repeatedly and clearly told everyone!
Go on then.. what are the reasons that Middlesbrough football took the knee for that they repeatedly and clearly told everybody?
Yes, and most of those who oppose it claim to refuse to accept that explanation as they think it carries other connotations. I think they’re wrong to think it. But I can’t say they don’t think it.
Yup
By the same token our players were at pains to explain why they stopped. That didn’t and doesn’t prevent a load of middle aged white blokes on here deciding their views are more important either.
A lot of people are being fooled' - Ferdinand's statement in full
"This should not be about QPR. Many clubs did not take the knee on the opening weekend, yet this was not reported.
"Taking the knee was very powerful but we feel that impact has now been diluted.
"In the same way 'Clap For Carers' was very emotional for us all, it got to a stage where it had run its natural course and the decision was rightly made to stop it.
"Does that mean we, as a nation, don't care or appreciate our NHS workers? Of course it doesn't.
"No-one is more passionate than me about this topic. I have spoken on the matter throughout my footballing life.
"I work for one of the most diverse football clubs in this country. A lot of people are being fooled out there.
"Recently, I took the decision not to do any more interviews on racism in football because the debate was going around in circles. People want a nice soundbite when something happens, but how many of the media who have criticised QPR over the past 48 hours genuinely want change?
"The taking of the knee has reached a point of 'good PR' but little more than that. The message has been lost. It is now not dissimilar to a fancy hashtag or a nice pin badge.
"What are our plans with this? Will people be happy for players to take the knee for the next 10 years but see no actual progress made?
"Taking the knee will not bring about change in the game - actions will.
"Those media that have been quick to question us should be looking more inwardly. Our Under 18s were forced to abandon a game in August 2019 against AD Nervion FC due to racist abuse.
"More than 12 months on, Uefa refused to deal with the situation and the Spanish FA did nothing.
"What media coverage has been given to that? Not nearly as much as what has been granted to QPR not taking a knee.
"Don't judge us. Simple research and evidence will show you we are doing more than most. If you want change, judge yourselves."