Returning fans - some boo when teams take the knee

You're taking the season of goodwill to all men a little far

 

Not all men Elfs -only you

 

A positive response from Millwall fans yesterday evening - cheering and applauding the anti-racist banner.
Even tolerant of QPR players taking the knee, and some black power salutes.

Some people will not stand mutely by while homage to an organisation that has been tainted by radicals who hate this country is imposed on the sport they love. If taking the knee remains a matter of personal choice and conscience, many more people are willing to accept it in my view.
Authorities in the grip of political correctness should be mindful of this, rather than assuming they can do whatever they want and then condemn anybody who dissents as a bigot.

We don't have thought police in this country and we don't want them either.

 

If they are kneeling during game time, is there anything to prevent someone kicking off and snatching a quick goal before opponents get to their feet?

 

Players didn’t respond positively though - another draw

 

Nothing at all.
It would ruffle a few feathers though. And there is the important point here about having these gestures take placer after the referee blows his whistle to start the match.

When the whistle blows you play football. That's the way it has always been.
There is no way that some players should be obliged to stand around while others perform a ritual - whatever their motivation.

The free choice to take the knee (if we must have it) should have an allotted moment before kick-off.
Perhaps just after the players walk onto the pitch, and before the hand-shaking ceremony - if there is one.

Traditionally in the US taking the knee was done during the National Anthem.
Perhaps that should be played during the 'knee time'. Though I get the feeling fewer players would be inclined to kneel during the playing of the anthem.
But that is the heart of the gesture - protest.
Not a fashionable show of compliance with expected politically correct norms.

Anyway.
I think these gestures should not be done during the match. The 90 minutes is for football, nothing else.

 

Did anyone notice that the Millwall player who claimed to be upset by the booing on Saturday was photographed last night making a black power raised fist salute?

Trying to get the fans against him so that he can play victim and get a transfer?

 

Black Power salutes on a British football field for no apparent reason just look stupid.

 

Personally I don't mind the black power salutes much, beyond my objection to any political statements being made at football matches,
(meaning I don't find that salute personally offensive).
White players who do them look a bit daft though in my view.
And it's not great to have a gesture that only one ethnic group feels is their prerogative.

If we're going to have 'solidarity' gestures, they should be ones anybody can do if they wish.
It can be argued that taking the knee is something universal in that way. Much harder to make that case for the black power salute.

 

Jeremy Paxman and the two teams to take the knee before University Challenge tonight.

 

Please tell me that's a joke. UC and Mastermind are the only TV I watch these days and UC will be binned if they do this.

 

Best comedy moment on University Challenge since The Young Ones took the mickey out of it back in the 80's.
Not the Nine O'Clock News had a laugh at it too I seem to recall...

 

It's a joke.

 

OK, you had me with that one.

 

The Paxman would take the knee for no-one.

 

#metoo