Applause drowned out sections of the Cambridge United fans who chose to boo players taking the knee before their clash with Colchester United.
Cambridge United Fans Boo as Players Take The Knee
Boos Quickly Drowned Out by Applause
Sections of the crowd booed players who took the knee ahead of the Sky Bet League Two fixture between Cambridge United and Colchester United.
Boos were audible as players showed support of the fight against racial injustice and discrimination
Cambridge United Head coach Mark Bonner spoke afterwards to condemn the supporters who chose to boo players taking the knee.
He said: “Both teams took the knee tonight and a small minority of fans booed and that’s embarrassing, unacceptable and we don’t stand for that at all here.
“What I’m delighted with is the vast majority of people who silenced those people with applause, which is exactly the right way.
“It’s an anti-discrimination message. We’re talking about racism and systemic racism and inequality.
“We’ve backed that with Colchester tonight and everyone should back it.
“[What’s happened] isn’t what our club is about, it isn’t what our community trust and the great we do in sharing these messages.”
The incident lasted a matter of seconds, as fellow fans began to applause before the match started.
It is not the first time supporters have reacted negatively to players taking the knee.
Millwall fans booed players ahead of their Championship match with Derby County, while spectators at Colchester United’s tie with Grimsby Town on the same day also had audible boos.
In a statement released by the U’s, Colchester owner Robbie Cowling said fans wanting to boo players taking the knee would not be welcome under his ownership.
He said: “Maybe those that booed on Saturday might now understand what this gesture means to our club and will at the very least remain silent during future games whilst the players continue to take the knee before each kick-off.
“Alternatively, they should just stay away from our club because anyone that still wants to boo now that I have explained the purpose and importance of the taking of the knee is not welcome at our club.
“I will be happy to refund anyone for the remaining value of their season permit if that is the reason they feel they can no longer attend our games.”
An FA investigation was launched in response to both incidents earlier this month, the outcome of which has not been declared.
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