Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford becomes the latest footballer to speak out against racism in America on social media joining the likes of Hector Bellerin and various other sports personalities.
The striker tweeted, “This had me feel sick. Things have to change, abusing power, privilege and authority” in response to a video showcasing police brutality in Minneapolis, the place where George Floyd was murdered.
The video compilation shows police officers beating up protestors, shooting up animals in cold blood, and much more.
This made me feel sick. Things have to change, abusing power, privilege and authority❌ https://t.co/HZlGsCxvL6
— Patrick Bamford (@Patrick_Bamford) May 30, 2020
Hector Bellerin is known for supporting various causes off the pitch and was one of the first footballers to speak out against racism after the incident in Minneapolis.
The Arsenal star tweeted, “We are all busy & worried about our lives & those of the ones close to us. Meanwhile, in parts of the world which most countries look up to, we still fail massively to accomplish what should be normal nowadays & seems it’s just getting worse, equality & therefore racism.”
We are all busy & worried about our lives & those of the ones close to us. Meanwhile, in parts of the world which most countries look up to, we still fail massively to accomplish what should be normal nowadays & seems it’s just getting worse, equality & therefore racism pic.twitter.com/LJpYVtccqJ
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) May 29, 2020
The rise of sports personalities using their voice on social media has shown that sport is very much intertwined with these issues and the importance of making their opinion count.
Most of the fans responded positively to the striker’s tweet with one fan tweeting, “Class tweet this. More people in a position of influence need to speak up. Much respect to you for doing this” while another fan replied saying, “Good lad, paddy. Thanks for using your position responsibly by taking a stance.”
Bamford’s tweet comes after Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani expressed his views on Twitter.