The England Rugby and Sale Sharks winger Marland Yarde has come out on record and revealed that some of his team-mates have received death threats after Sale Shark’s response to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Prior to Sale’s match with Harlequins on the 14th of August 11 of the Sale, fifteen decided not to take a knee. This sparked a considerable response on social media. Sale Sharks have a large number of South African players, all of whom did not kneel. This prompted South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa to speak out about what had happened.
Marland Yarde states that personally he backs the Black Lives Movement. However, he has condemned the death threats that his teammates have received after the match against Harlequins. Yarde has said via Twitter: “I stand 100% for the Black Lives Matter movement and wholeheartedly believe in the importance of highlighting the continuous battle that we face in society every day and the need for a change. I have to also stand against death threats against my teammates which is totally unacceptable. This behaviour will not make the world a better place. We are united, we are a team!!”
Premiership Rugby has decided that it should be up to individual teams and players to decide the best course of action for them. Last week England international Billy Vunipola spoke about why he chose not to take the knee before Saracens’ opening match. He revealed that he “can’t support” certain elements of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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