CFU are disgusted that a small number of people booed players taking the knee at the match against Colchester on the 15th December.
CFU reaffirms our clear and unequivocal opposition to racism and all forms of discrimination.
The group will support any action taken by Cambridge United against those involved.
We would like to also thank the vast majority of supporters who applauded in support of the players.
Below is the Football Supporters Association statement issued on the 7th December.
FSA statement: Players taking the knee
The FSA reaffirms our clear and unequivocal opposition to racism and all forms of discrimination.
We believe that football must offer a welcoming environment where every member of our communities can feel comfortable and valued, and we have welcomed and supported all initiatives in this direction, including players ‘taking the knee’ as their own demonstration of solidarity with those suffering racism and discrimination.
Regardless of the stated intentions of some of those booing the players at Millwall and elsewhere this weekend, the impact of that booing has undermined the anti-racist stance and created a much less welcoming atmosphere in the ground – it has had a racist impact.
The FSA will continue to work with our partners at Kick It Out, with others in football, and particularly with supporters up and down the country to combat racism and discrimination.
EFL Press release 18th June 2020
The EFL and its Clubs will stand together in solidarity against racial discrimination through a powerful online video campaign to say we don’t and will not accept prejudice, not today or any day.
Players from EFL Clubs returning to play this week will take part in the videos that will be issued across multiple platforms, to demand more from each other; more inclusion, respect and equality and offer support to our colleagues, friends and members of the wider community who continue to be subjected to unacceptable forms of discrimination.
In addition to the video campaign, the League will support players who wish to ‘take a knee’ before or during matches in support of the Black Lives Matter message.
With over 15 million followers across social channels of Clubs and players involved, EFL football provides an important platform to reach fans and the general public and drive positive change through the game and our wider communities.
The EFL believes this time it must be different for all of us, we all want change and we all need to play our part and supporters are encouraged to stand with EFL players to unite and celebrate our diversity and share the videos across their own channels to take action and speak out.
The EFL has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and prejudiced behaviour in all forms and stands alongside players, Clubs, the Premier League, the FA, PFA, LMA, PGMOL and all those who oppose discrimination.
We are committed to promoting diversity and providing equal opportunities for all and work will continue to develop processes and procedures to address these issues.
EFL Chairman, Rick Parry, said: “There is no place for racism in society and the EFL is committed to working collaboratively to eradicate prejudiced behaviour at all levels.
“The EFL has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination but we need to do more to drive change by learning from past mistakes and lead from the front in speaking out against racism and discrimination of any kind.
“Football has the power to unite, and we must come together to challenge discrimination and celebrate diversity in order to improve and change attitudes throughout the game.”
The content will be released prior to games kicking-off.
In addition to this activity taking place, the EFL will also say thank you to NHS key workers at fixtures across this weekend.
Players will wear shirts featuring an ‘NHS Rainbow – Thank You’ emblem and a period of applause will take place prior to all matches from 18-21 June 2020, as Clubs and players collectively display their gratitude for those working on the frontline.
Clubs will also show their continued support through their own media channels and through various in- stadia displays during the selected fixtures.
CFU reaffirms our clear and unequivocal opposition to racism and all forms of discrimination.
The group will support any action taken by Cambridge United against those involved.
We would like to also thank the vast majority of supporters who applauded in support of the players.
Below is the Football Supporters Association statement issued on the 7th December.
FSA statement: Players taking the knee
The FSA reaffirms our clear and unequivocal opposition to racism and all forms of discrimination.
We believe that football must offer a welcoming environment where every member of our communities can feel comfortable and valued, and we have welcomed and supported all initiatives in this direction, including players ‘taking the knee’ as their own demonstration of solidarity with those suffering racism and discrimination.
Regardless of the stated intentions of some of those booing the players at Millwall and elsewhere this weekend, the impact of that booing has undermined the anti-racist stance and created a much less welcoming atmosphere in the ground – it has had a racist impact.
The FSA will continue to work with our partners at Kick It Out, with others in football, and particularly with supporters up and down the country to combat racism and discrimination.
EFL Press release 18th June 2020
The EFL and its Clubs will stand together in solidarity against racial discrimination through a powerful online video campaign to say we don’t and will not accept prejudice, not today or any day.
Players from EFL Clubs returning to play this week will take part in the videos that will be issued across multiple platforms, to demand more from each other; more inclusion, respect and equality and offer support to our colleagues, friends and members of the wider community who continue to be subjected to unacceptable forms of discrimination.
In addition to the video campaign, the League will support players who wish to ‘take a knee’ before or during matches in support of the Black Lives Matter message.
With over 15 million followers across social channels of Clubs and players involved, EFL football provides an important platform to reach fans and the general public and drive positive change through the game and our wider communities.
The EFL believes this time it must be different for all of us, we all want change and we all need to play our part and supporters are encouraged to stand with EFL players to unite and celebrate our diversity and share the videos across their own channels to take action and speak out.
The EFL has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and prejudiced behaviour in all forms and stands alongside players, Clubs, the Premier League, the FA, PFA, LMA, PGMOL and all those who oppose discrimination.
We are committed to promoting diversity and providing equal opportunities for all and work will continue to develop processes and procedures to address these issues.
EFL Chairman, Rick Parry, said: “There is no place for racism in society and the EFL is committed to working collaboratively to eradicate prejudiced behaviour at all levels.
“The EFL has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination but we need to do more to drive change by learning from past mistakes and lead from the front in speaking out against racism and discrimination of any kind.
“Football has the power to unite, and we must come together to challenge discrimination and celebrate diversity in order to improve and change attitudes throughout the game.”
The content will be released prior to games kicking-off.
In addition to this activity taking place, the EFL will also say thank you to NHS key workers at fixtures across this weekend.
Players will wear shirts featuring an ‘NHS Rainbow – Thank You’ emblem and a period of applause will take place prior to all matches from 18-21 June 2020, as Clubs and players collectively display their gratitude for those working on the frontline.
Clubs will also show their continued support through their own media channels and through various in- stadia displays during the selected fixtures.
