“How big is your flag?”
Since the BLM movement dominated news cycles last year, the subject of kneeling during sports games has been a popular topic of discussion. Many ‘fans’ believe that the sport should not align itself with a political movement, but both players and managers have hit back at this sentiment.
Though the battle is far from over, radio presenter James O’Brien has quieted the booing for a day at least.
'How hard do you wave your flag while booing England players? Why are you using up a seat a proper fan could have?'
James O'Brien's fiery clash with a caller who boos footballers taking the knee.@mrjamesob pic.twitter.com/MdyMSHHCue
— LBC (@LBC) June 7, 2021
In a conversation with a self-declared fan, O’Brien broke down the man’s argument, repackaged it, placed a cute little bow on top, and shut him down without breaking a sweat.
When asked why he thinks the players are taking the knee, the gentleman says he understands why they said they are taking the knee, but he disagrees with that sentiment. He, therefore, thinks they are lying. He proceeds to state how BLM evokes ideas of burning buildings and rioting, to which the presenter asks: “Have you tried not to think of it?”
The booing of players taking the knee is always foolish (however you argue it, it is never a thoughtful critique of a political act). But now that Southgate has taken the trouble to explain what the players are doing, there is little reason other than an expression of racism.
— Stig Abell (@StigAbell) June 6, 2021
O’Brien proceeds to masterfully dance around the gentleman’s argument, illustrating just how ridiculous it is.
“If I walk into a room and you’re kneeling, I don’t get to tell you why you’re kneeling; I get only to ask you.”
Though the two would never see eye to eye on the political stance, O’Brien asks him a straightforward question. “What impact do you think it has on the players when they hear you booing?”
Though the politics and reasoning behind the kneel are constantly disputed, the validity of their chosen time to complain is rarely brought into question. Until now. The fans who claim to care so much about the England team are actually influencing the outcome of the matches.
The world has waited a year for the Euros, and yet, a select few would subconsciously seek to destroy England’s chance of winning. O’Brien continues to highlight this for the remainder of the five-minute clip, much to the caller’s frustration.
Despite trying to dodge quite simple questions, the gentleman finally agrees that it would negatively affect the players’ performance.
The Euros could see an entire month of booing and online criticism. But to the fans who would agree with such ideas, ask yourself one very simple question. Are your own opinions worth jeopardising the Euros for? O’Brien would definitely not think so.
