Aniket Rai
Manchester teams collaborate with Liverpool clubs to put out a joint statement
A report by Manchester Evening News mentions that Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton, and Liverpool have stood shoulder to shoulder in a bid to combat incidents of racism in football.
The first week of February has been Hate Crime Awareness in the region of Greater Manchester. Recently, English football has seen a torrent of racist abuse directed at players.
Not that the past was any better, but incidents of racism have increased drastically in the past few weeks. A number of United players have been at the end of the abuse.
In light of this, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority put out a statement to mention that the four clubs stand in solidarity when it comes to combatting hate crimes.
Equality over rivalry
The statement acknowledges the social media abuse that players have been suffering, and mentions that there is no room for such abhorrent acts in the beautiful game.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder in saying there is no room for racism, hate or any form of discrimination in our beautiful game. It should not happen and it must stop.”
Most notably, Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were at the end of racist abuse after Manchester United succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Sheffield United.
It did not stop there. Marcus Rashford was the next victim when the Red Devils played out a 0-0 draw against Arsenal. (h/t Manchester Evening News)
There will be two Manchester vs Liverpool clashes this week in the Premier League. Everton travel to Old Trafford on Saturday, while Anfield hosts Manchester City on Sunday.
More Manchester United News:
- Manchester United fans react as Jose Mourinho loses consecutive home games for the first time in his career
- A proposed UEFA rule could see Manchester United qualify for Champions League more easily
- Manchester United were keen on Bulgarian international Valentin Antov
The joint statement from the four clubs is wonderful to see as the two footballing cities show that rivalry does not matter when social equality is at stake.
