Stoney: It’s important to stand up to racism
Manchester United Women’s manager Casey Stoney has reiterated her view that all forms of discrimination are completely unacceptable.
She was speaking after United attacker Lauren James was, sadly, the latest footballer to receive racist abuse online following with the likes of first-team players Anthony Martial, Axel Tuanzebe and Marcus Rashford who been targeted in recent weeks.
During an interview with club media, Stoney expressed her view that taking a stand against racist behaviour will help elevate the issue in the future.
During an interview with club media, Stoney expressed her view that taking a stand against racist behaviour will help elevate the issue in the future.
Stoney: It's time for change Video
Stoney: It's time for change
The United Women's manager feels the Government must do more to tackle online discrimination...
“It’s disgusting, utterly unacceptable,” said the United manager. “I spoke to Lauren and told her it’s hard for me to understand, as a white person who has never experienced it.
“But it’s important I stand up for her, stand next to her, support her. As a club, we massively support her and I know, as a club, we do an awful lot in this area to make sure players are supported, that we fight against discrimination and racism because no person should ever have to experience that.
“It’s totally unacceptable and I think the Government and social media platforms need to do so much more.”
“But it’s important I stand up for her, stand next to her, support her. As a club, we massively support her and I know, as a club, we do an awful lot in this area to make sure players are supported, that we fight against discrimination and racism because no person should ever have to experience that.
“It’s totally unacceptable and I think the Government and social media platforms need to do so much more.”
Lauren used Instagram last week to share that she had been the latest victim of online abuse and Casey acknowledged that this took a huge amount of courage for anyone, let alone a 19-year-old.
“I think she is an extremely brave young women to stand up and speak out, knowing that she is probably going to face more of it,” said Stoney.
“I think the club have supported her, obviously the diversity officer has been in touch and understands more than anyone what Lauren is going through. I think, as a club, we have supported her. As a head coach, I will continue to support her.
“I think the sad thing is that when I speak to her, it’s almost water off a duck’s back and it’s common practice. That really is sad. I don’t want her to feel that; I don’t want to feel it’s acceptable. I don’t want her to feel like it’s the norm because it shouldn’t be. She should never have to face that, nobody should.”
“I think she is an extremely brave young women to stand up and speak out, knowing that she is probably going to face more of it,” said Stoney.
“I think the club have supported her, obviously the diversity officer has been in touch and understands more than anyone what Lauren is going through. I think, as a club, we have supported her. As a head coach, I will continue to support her.
“I think the sad thing is that when I speak to her, it’s almost water off a duck’s back and it’s common practice. That really is sad. I don’t want her to feel that; I don’t want to feel it’s acceptable. I don’t want her to feel like it’s the norm because it shouldn’t be. She should never have to face that, nobody should.”
Casey also called on the Government to do more to prevent the use of discriminatory language online, and to punish the perpetrators.
“It’s important for her to speak out, but it’s important for me, as a white person, to stand up and speak out and say it’s unacceptable.
“It’s important, as a club, that we stand up and speak out. It’s important that everyone who fights against racism daily, stands up and has a voice.
“It’s time for change. The Government have to do more. There has to be stricter policies. Just because you sit behind a keyboard does not give you the right to discriminate against anybody.”
“It’s important for her to speak out, but it’s important for me, as a white person, to stand up and speak out and say it’s unacceptable.
“It’s important, as a club, that we stand up and speak out. It’s important that everyone who fights against racism daily, stands up and has a voice.
“It’s time for change. The Government have to do more. There has to be stricter policies. Just because you sit behind a keyboard does not give you the right to discriminate against anybody.”
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