Brave Soucek had no need to apologise

Tomas Soucek is already a Hammers legend as far as I’m concerned and his comments on racism, which he claims were misunderstood, make no difference to that.

He explained there were cultural differences between the Czechs and Brits and that taking the knee may well be cancelled before next season.

He added  he sees it as a shame that certain things aren’t allowed to be said because presumably many will disapprove. I agree. Political correctness has often taken the place of freedom of speech.

I’m with him all the way and the issue of knee taking will become major before the next season with newly promoted Brentford having stopped the practice believing it is now nothing more than tokenism!

So every week somewhere on a Premier League pitch there is going to be a very mixed reaction among the fans. This needs sorting.

Soucek make his view clear saying: “But it’s like everything — an interesting gesture that will attract attention, but will it help anything? That’s the question.”

Perfectly valid position to take as is Brentford’s along with those who feel differently.

My personal view is unimportant but I was pleased to hear Tomas make his bravely. An honest and intelligent man…and pro with West Ham a fortunate club to have him.

If he were to leave now I would remember him as one of our greats and in my book has no reason to apologise for anything!