England soccer team again booed by fans for taking a knee

The scene played out much like it did ahead of a game against Austria on Wednesday

Some England fans booed the team again Sunday for taking a knee before kicking off a warm-up game for the European Championship.

The scattered disapproval around the stadium for the anti-racism gesture was quickly countered by other fans applauding the team, which included six Black players including captain Marcus Rashford.

The scene played out before the club faced Romania just as it did Wednesday ahead of a game against Austria at the same stadium in Middlesbrough.

England’s Jack Grealish takes a knee before the international friendly soccer match between England and Romania in Middlesbrough, England, Sunday, June 6, 2021. (Paul Ellis, Pool via AP)

England coach Gareth Southgate said Saturday the booing was a “very strange response” and the players will continue taking a knee at Euro 2020.

READ MORE: Black teen dies after being stabbed in racist attack in England: report

“We feel more than ever determined to take the knee through this tournament,” Southgate said. “We accept that there might be an adverse reaction and we are just going to ignore that and move forward.”

READ MORE: England players to take a knee at Euros despite fans’ booing

England will play each of its three group-stage games at Wembley Stadium in London where fans have not been able to watch the national team since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE