In the UEFA European Championships, these four young men missed penalty shots that would have advanced England’s Men’s Senior National Futbol Team, the Three Lions. Terrible mistake on their part…horrible…and they deserve criticism. However, it took a dark and nefarious turn when 100’s of thousands, if not millions on social media, turned to racist banter and hateful speech towards them. It got ugly. None of these dudes are over 25 years of age. They are all TOP players in the world as young men. But what stood out to me was Bukayo Saka. He is, or was, a 19 year-old, Nigerian-born superstar (20 years old, as of the release of this article), left back and midfielder for Arsenal, and is 6 years older than my 13 year-old son, who I post way too much on Al Gore’s internet. The grace, poise, and maturity with which he has handled interviews and the racist trolls on the internet is utterly amazing. They ALL have handled it with amazing grace, composure, and dignity. But this dude Saka was a teenager at the time. All of this lends to my question: What should athletes do in the face of such vitriol? Is playing for these countries (of birth, youth, or migration) in your best interest, especially when you can trace your lineage to a place that isn’t going to dehumanize, disrespect, or hate you?
Missing a penalty is a terrible thing for a footballer. It shows a lack of focus and preparation. However, Pele, Messi, Ronaldo (both of ’em), Ronaldinho, Neymar, Zidane, Henry…hell, many players have missed throughout their careers. Jordan, Kobe, (Lord knows) Lebron, Steph, Dame Dolla, all have missed free throws. So we know in the grand scheme of things it has nothing to do with where their careers end up. These misses will be an anomaly and erased in history, as these players continue their ascension to the pantheon of greats. And who knows, maybe a seat at the “Table of Gawds” awaits them. But you know what isn’t an anomaly? You know what isn’t going anywhere? You know what will be around 20, 30, 50, 100 years from now? Racism. Racist abuse. Racism in sports. These young men will face this for the remainder of their careers, whenever they mess up or make a mistake…or…just whenever fans feel like taunting.
B. Austin, of War Room Sports
#Futbol #BlackPower #EndRacism #RacisminFutbol #raheemsterling #marcusrashford #JadonSancho #BukayoSaka #Soccer
#FutbolBeenBlack #SoccerBeenBlack #UEFA #europeanchampionship #EURO2020 #FourLions
