In the event that racism is ever committed against someone during a football game, Mark Robins says his Coventry City players have his complete support in taking a stance and leaving the field.
The Sky Blues will be back at Hillsborough on Friday night to play Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup fourth round, just six days after it was reported that Kyle Palmer had been singled out for abuse. The City manager disclosed that the event has had a “heartbreaking” impact on the player and his family, which includes his three small children. The player will have the final say on whether or not he is well enough to play this weekend.
Robins also disclosed that prior to kickoff, the players are probably going to “take the knee” as a mark of togetherness and symbolism. While there is no indication that the same situation would occur again tomorrow night, Robins stated: “I think everyone supports walking off the field if it happens again. There has been a lot of talk about that.”
“And I believe that’s what we should do if it does happen again; the players ought to be aware of that as well. They have the support of the owner, Doug King, who has stated as much openly. Everyone is aware of this and knows what will happen if it occurs again.
“Let’s see what happens in terms of backing it up, but also, there has to be wider ranging consequences as has been alluded to higher up the food chain with Gianni Infantino speaking about it.”
The head of FIFA has promised to sanction clubs immediately whose supporters engage in racist taunts.
When asked if he believed the message would be understood better with a large gesture, such as a deduction of points or other sanctions, the Coventry manager responded, “I think that something has to change because nothing has changed.” We took a long time to take the knee, and we might take it again tomorrow. The athletes made the decision to stop doing it last year because they felt as though they were merely participating for the sake of it and could not see any real benefits. It becomes part of the usual and nothing gets done.”
In response to the question of whether it is appropriate for players to abstain from labor during a game, he said, “I think you have to do something within the rules and guidelines to make a stand.” Last week, something happened that was so unbelievable that it might have happened to anyone. I told Kasey how proud I was of him after he handled himself so beautifully.
“The players are fully aware that they have the owner’s support if that occurs. They have both my support and, I would guess, the support of 99.9 percent of the population.
Regarding whether Palmer is mentally prepared to play, especially on familiar territory, Robins stated: “I believe Kasey should take the lead on that.” We’re going to have to wait till tomorrow.
“We are just there to assist Kasey through that. I understand how he’s been going through the last few days, but he’s a grown-up and will set an example for everyone, especially his family.
“We’ve done everything we can, but Kasey and his extended family’s welfare is the most important thing. Although Kasey has been harmed, in the end, a lot of people have been impacted by this, and when you get down to the details, it’s tragic. Although Kasey is a guy and capable of handling situations, friends and family have been greatly impacted. Individuals who have never encountered racism are unable to comprehend. He is the father of three kids.
Despite acknowledging that this unpleasant experience is new to him as a boss, Robins is determined to deliver his message.
He declared, “I think the offender should be apprehended, dealt with, and made an example of.” “I’ve watched a video where the players from Sheffield Wednesday emphasize how awful that is.
“As the manager, I have never experienced anything like this before, but it seems like it happens constantly and needs to stop.”
GET MORE NEWS HERE