Romania’s Nicolae Stanciu choose not to ‘take a knee’ ahead of the game against England earlier tonight at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
In itself, the decision is up for debate, but after the game an explosive motive came to light.
As revealed on Twitter by Bucharest based journalist Emanuel Rosu, the Slavia Prague midfielder chose not to kneel as a show of support for his teammate Ondrej Kudela – who was hit with a 10-game ban for racially abusing Glen Kamara at Ibrox.
Stanciu on choosing not to kneel before the game vs England: "I did it to show solidarity with Kudela, my colleague at Slavia. He was suspended for 10 games based on no evidence. I don't believe kneeling is the solution" pic.twitter.com/RkD87Jgv02
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) June 6, 2021
“He was suspended for 10 games based on no evidence. I don’t believe kneeling is the solution”
It appears that Stanciu is wanting to ride two horses.
Was his refusal about a supposed misjustice or was it about the ‘right’ way to combat racism and to stand up against it? Surely it can’t be both.
England won the EURO2020 warm-up game 1-0 thanks to a second half penalty from Marcus Rashford.
Punishment
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic will have to do without the services of Kudela in the upcoming tournament, following his choices and actions at Ibrox in Slavia’s Last 16 Europa League triumph in March.
Despite an appeal, UEFA upheld the sanction – as reported by Sky Sports:
‘Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela will miss this summer’s European Championship after UEFA rejected his appeal against a 10-game ban for racially abusing Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.’
‘The Czech Republic international had hoped to play a part in this summer’s tournament – which will see Jaroslav Silhavy’s team take on Scotland, Croatia and England in Group D.’
‘However, European football’s governing body has stood firm on its punishment after finding Kudela guilty of shouting a racial slur into Kamara’s ear during a Europa League tie at Ibrox in March.’