Hammer Tomas Soucek has taken to social media to apologise after comments he made were misunderstood
Speaking to Czech publication idnes, Soucek said: “’At West Ham, everyone asked me about it and why he said it and I fought for Ondrej all the time.
“I believe that he did not tell him anything racist, no one proved anything about him. I found it absurd. I know him so well that I can’t imagine him saying anything racist. I see how sensitive the British are to racism every day. Two cultures collide because we think a little differently than they do. Slowly, one is afraid to say anything so as not to offend or slander someone. And I think that’s wrong.”
On taking the knee the 26-year-old West Ham player said: “’We’ve been doing it all season, but it will probably be cancelled before the next one as it doesn’t have much of the original impact anymore. But it’s like everything — an interesting gesture that will attract attention, but will it help anything? That’s the question.”
“My comments in a recent interview I did in the Czech Republic didn’t come across how I meant them,” he tweeted in reply to the reaction to his interview.
“They were out of context and have been misunderstood. I am against racism in any form and am proud to play in a sport that is so diverse and inclusive.”
As someone completely for diversity and inclusion I got Soucek’s comments completely, they made common sense, cancel culture which he was referring too makes no sense and conversation iakways the best option. Stay true to yourself Soucek and don pander to the media CO!!!
PM BJ waved a red flag at fans for the match against Croatia. Now taking the knee becomes a test of the PM’s popularity, and little to do with racism.
Any bets?
Nothing to apologise for there in my eyes!
Tomas, your comments and explanation is clear, carrying no offence at all.
As a person of color, living outside of Britain, I agree with you. Racism, in all forms is bad and pathetic. And those who practice it need a serious heart change.
However, as Fifa said years ago, politics/religion and sport does not mix and will not be allowed … so too this “bending of the knee” expression does not make sense on the sports field, and should never have been allowed either.
However, Fifa has allowed it … and should stop it immediately.
It only suits a political agenda, not supported by many. Thus the boos from the supporters.
Only the love of God in the hearts of mankind will bring us love, respect and true harmony in a world who needs serious alignment with God and each other.
God bless.
His statements were bang on. He shouldn’t apologize. For dogs sake this knee business is pure gesture. It does nothing. It has bad associations. Just pick another gesture for god’s sake. I suggest pulling their pants down and windmilling their ****s for 30 seconds. That’ll teach racists. Whole world’s.gone mad.
Everyone is walking on eggshells around this subject. It would seem that if you are white or black, unless you throw yourself 100% behind BLM, you are either a racist or a traitor. If someone makes a comment that doesn’t follow the approved line the baying mob sets upon them. Free speech is being stifled. This should never be brought into sport, but now it is, if a gesture means anything, then make the gesture acceptable to all. Why not have all players and officials link arms for 20 seconds. A much more significant gesture of togetherness and solidarity.