Footballers getting political

[ScholesyTheWise]

This time? Only that. He put Israel flag on Instagram and text that "he stands with Israel".

I see. I'm an Israeli so I won't say that his opinion is idiotic in and of itself. you can strongly agree or disagree with it, sure.

His doing that is utterly idiotic.

He probably knows nothing about the Israel-Palestine thing and thinks that it's comparable to Russia-Ukraine.

 

[King Eric 7]

It's probably wise for players not to air their political views unless they have some sort of interest in that area or they are directly affected in some way. They can choose to say what they want and their club can act accordingly.

 

[JediSith]

I guess - perhaps I overlook the power of the MSM from time to time.

I imagine in Iran the news probably portrays it as everyone who Hamas killed /captured was armed IDF. So it runs both ways I suppose.

 

[Waynne]

He is just a stupid person. Remember when he said that he wants to fight Russians, kill Putin by himself and shit but..... he can't because he has wife and kids .

Can't believe Zinchenko said all that, my God

 

[JediSith]

He is just a stupid person. Remember when he said that he wants to fight Russians, kill Putin by himself and shit but..... he can't because he has wife and kids .

My dad calls him “little vagabond” for some reason his always taken a liking to him

 

[garelo]

I used They if you missed it, and where in my post did I say its linear with my thoughts?

I am never going to force my opinion on another human being and so should they do the same.

And to your last question, the fact that we have seen the light don't mean we force it on other people, let people find their eureka moment, how long ago was the whole UK against LGBTQ?

I don't know to tell anyone anything because as much as we all have opinions it doesn't matter to the next person

yeah right

I know he means footballers and that's my issue.

We need to realise that as much as they wear the shirts of the teams we support don't mean that's all they

They are normal people just like us with their own thinking and that should be fine.

It's a different scenario if for example Zinchenko was forcing his opinion on everyone to take the same stand as him, but he didn't.

Nobody said about forcing their own thinking to other people, it's kinda funny cause i said my opinion on this issue yet in your opinion i was forcing down to other's people throat. i said if you want footballers to be freed of expressing their own thought and political lining then you need to be prepared when they voice their opinion that is not linier to your own thought, you shall not canceled them no matter how stupid, ridiculous, or even dangerous that beliefs, can people make a deal with that? football is a global game nowadays, we have footballers from all over the world, they grew up under different circumstances, different point of view, different ideologies, different beliefs and religions, IF you are ready to take and listen to them good on you, just remember dont try to cancel them.

 

[Andycoleno9]

Can't believe Zinchenko said all that, my God

Yeah, it is common knowledge that only single men go in war.
Imagine being in some trench while wife and kids waiting you at home, Russians are shelling you with bombs and rockets and then you read how big warrior from his London mansion is saying that he wants to defend his country and fight but....you know, he can't because he has family. Great morale boost for soldiers.

Sometimes is just better to say nothing instead being strong on words.

 

[kthanksbye]

Well if they’re telling us what their political opinions are, then it’s fair enough that people will have opinions about those opinions.

That's right and I agree with you. If they're going to post their opinions on social media, they will be criticized, but that's where it could stop, the clubs end up taking actions because of the backlash if the opinion is unpopular, we could do without that.

 

[The side netting]

What makes someone educated enough to understand world politics?

Well as a starting point it wouldn't be someone who posts their views on social media contradicting themselves like he has.

 

[Lash]

This Ozil line that gets trotted out needs to die. He played post his comments and Arsenal just distanced themselves from the comments. He wasn't frozen out because of his political statements.

Edit: not that I even deem them "political"

 

[Pav1878]

Dearie me. Probably just a case of another simple footballer but by golly, they should know the facts on such matters before posting anything and know that what happened today is because of 75 years of apartheid, subjugation and oppression of Palestinians by a brutal Zionist regime. These facts cannot be denied.

Exactly!!
Sick of this biased pro Israeli media coverage.
The loss of life has been tragic on BOTH sides. People need to know the facts before forming an opinion.

 

[TheRedHearted]

Anti Russia but pro Israel? Hmm, I can see why his post got such backlash.

Arsenal completely froze Özil out when he made a statement about the Uyghur genocide in China. Wonder if they will do the same with this guy.

Why do you feel Israel is comparable to Russia?

 

[KikiDaKats]

Well as a starting point it wouldn't be someone who posts their views on social media contradicting themselves like he has.

Just like every political commentator out there. There is no set requirement to hold a political opinion.

Every political activist has a starting point and to define what that starting point should be, by our snobbery, is the reason important matters don’t get dealt with adequately.

If this lad feels like paying closer attention to politics now because of his current circumstances, it can damn well be said he is better informed than a lot of people.

We can choose not to hold the same opinion or believe it misrepresenting the truth but it doesn’t disqualify him from having one.

 

[LDUred]

Footballers should definitely steer well clear of making political statements, especially those on matters such as the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is not that they lack insight, but for the simple fact that they are employees.

Ultimately, they represent their clubs and sponsors, and a player making a divisive statement on such and such a conflict inadvertantly becomes associated with the club's stance, depending on who interprets what. Unbeknown to us, it's highly possible that footballers are contractually obliged not to say anything on political matters. Spouting off on social media about a highly-charged event might find them in breach of that.

It's the same as a Google employee making a comment on a war. It immediately becomes associated with the company's official political position. Obviously, some conflicts it is safer to take sides on than others, but in the case of the Palestinian conflict, it's exceptionally tough for corporate Western institutions to pick a side, and in every sense counter-productive to their business.

Zinchenko, without wanting to be too harsh, has always come across as being highly-strung and overly emotional. He, more than anyone else, should perhaps be being monitored when it comes to what he publishes on social media.

 

[Member 128195]

I think more footballers should be using their status and influence to discuss political issues.

Marcus Rashford was instrumental in helping feed poor kids during the holidays and without him stepping up alot of families would have struggled.

Unfortunately it's difficult to have a voice and be heard in today's societies and the struggles of the little person often go unheard or get brushed under the carpet.

What makes footballers a bit more unique compared to other influential people is that far more of them come from poverty and working class areas - areas which often have no voice. There's alot of working class representation from footballers and they should be using their voices to stand up for their communities.

It's all well and good saying keep politics out of sport but the governing bodies do the very opposite of that. Qatar and Saudia Arabias recent rise in sport being perfect examples. Using blood money to try and improve their image and corrupt footballing bodies profiteering from it.

 

[Kaos]

Just realised Zinchenko played for a Russian team during the time Russia started to occupy Crimea. Yeah he's full of shit.

 

[JediSith]

Can’t post on the main forum. But some of the worse things about social media, lots of very good things when it comes to war and getting all sides. But in this latest bout of the conflict I’ve noticed a few new things. Basically lies, even when disproven, are taken as truth. And also a fair amount of dead Palestinian children or Palestinian children being humiliated are being passed off as Israeli children. Why?

Couple of lies that have been disproven. Hamas beheaded babies. Yet the Israeli army have said this did not happen. Although it’s now taken as fact by millions.

Shani Louk raped/stripped and murdered completely unsubstantiated. Now there’s reports from her mother she’s alive.

Several photos I’ve seen of burnt babies or babies in cages are actually Palestinian children. Just imagine if victims of 7/7 were used by militants abroad as if they were Iranian/Iraqi/Afghan victims of US/U.K. military. We’d rightly be outraged.

 

[Member 128195]

Can’t post on the main forum. But some of the worse things about social media, lots of very good things when it comes to war and getting all sides. But in this latest bout of the conflict I’ve noticed a few new things. Basically lies, even when disproven, are taken as truth. And also a fair amount of dead Palestinian children or Palestinian children being humiliated are being passed off as Israeli children. Why?

Couple of lies that have been disproven. Hamas beheaded babies. Yet the Israeli army have said this did not happen. Although it’s now taken as fact by millions.

Shani Louk raped/stripped and murdered completely unsubstantiated. Now there’s reports from her mother she’s alive.

Several photos I’ve seen of burnt babies or babies in cages are actually Palestinian children. Just imagine if victims of 7/7 were used by militants abroad as if they were Iranian/Iraqi/Afghan victims of US/U.K. military. We’d rightly be outraged.

Why don't you make a thread about it in the newbies section? I would happily discuss this with you but I can only make 3 posts a day and this is my last one. Plus this maybe isn't the best place for this discussion?

I think misinformation and fake news is on the rise and the recent growth of AI is just going to make it more prominent moving further. The world feels very toxic right now.

In relation to Israel, its a difficult one because I think both sides are likely putting out their own fake news. Personally I condemn both the actions of Israel and Hamas - I can't support brutal murders of innocent people.

Where I do sympathise most though is with the Palestine people who are now feeling the repercussions. The sad thing is that it's not just today either, this has been going on for decades.

The West, United Nations and Israel have alot to answer for. It deeply saddens me to see so many interviews by western leaders talking about "Israels right to defend itself". There's a difference between defending yourself and bombing innocent civilians and cutting off their resources. What Israel doing is attacking Gaza, not defending themselves.

 

[Someone]

Footballers should be allowed to post whatever they want, but they shouldn't because football fans are all across the world, and anything you say will probably annoy some people. If you're happy to take the hit and impact your image negatively, by all means, go for it. I believe in this case the backlash was so sever he had to delete the post.

 

[KikiDaKats]

Can’t post on the main forum. But some of the worse things about social media, lots of very good things when it comes to war and getting all sides. But in this latest bout of the conflict I’ve noticed a few new things. Basically lies, even when disproven, are taken as truth. And also a fair amount of dead Palestinian children or Palestinian children being humiliated are being passed off as Israeli children. Why?

Couple of lies that have been disproven. Hamas beheaded babies. Yet the Israeli army have said this did not happen. Although it’s now taken as fact by millions.

Shani Louk raped/stripped and murdered completely unsubstantiated. Now there’s reports from her mother she’s alive.

Several photos I’ve seen of burnt babies or babies in cages are actually Palestinian children. Just imagine if victims of 7/7 were used by militants abroad as if they were Iranian/Iraqi/Afghan victims of US/U.K. military. We’d rightly be outraged.

Are you a football?

 

[DavelinaJolie]

I think more footballers should be using their status and influence to discuss political issues.

Agreed, we need more Matt Le Tissiers in this world.

 

[JediSith]

Why don't you make a thread about it in the newbies section? I would happily discuss this with you but I can only make 3 posts a day and this is my last one. Plus this maybe isn't the best place for this discussion?

I think misinformation and fake news is on the rise and the recent growth of AI is just going to make it more prominent moving further. The world feels very toxic right now.

In relation to Israel, its a difficult one because I think both sides are likely putting out their own fake news. Personally I condemn both the actions of Israel and Hamas - I can't support brutal murders of innocent people.

Where I do sympathise most though is with the Palestine people who are now feeling the repercussions. The sad thing is that it's not just today either, this has been going on for decades.

The West, United Nations and Israel have alot to answer for. It deeply saddens me to see so many interviews by western leaders talking about "Israels right to defend itself". There's a difference between defending yourself and bombing innocent civilians and cutting off their resources. What Israel doing is attacking Gaza, not defending themselves.

Wouldn’t mind. Don’t know if it’s allowed. Will try. If I get banned, you get banned too

 

[do.ob]

https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.c...pologises-for-anti-semitic-social-media-post/

One example for the "against" column.

 

[Taribo's Gap]

This is the kind of thing I meant by potential added security risk from footballers voicing certain political opinions. The killer was allegedly avenging the killing of a young Palestinian boy in Chicago. This kind of thing could happen regardless of whether a footballer voices an opinion or not, but having players be vocal on extremely charged political issues probably creates a heightened security risk that clubs would rather not invite and have to deal with.

https://abcnews.go.com/Internationa...m-2-people-killed-shooting-brussels-104020372

 

[Winrar]

I don't think athletes should voice sensitive political opinions, unless their take matches mine.

 

[Charlie Foley]

Zinchenko can do one the hypocrite.

IIRC they silenced Elneny when he made a similar stance in support of Palestine.

Yeah lavazza coffee put the squeeze on them that time

 

[garelo]

I think more footballers should be using their status and influence to discuss political issues.

Marcus Rashford was instrumental in helping feed poor kids during the holidays and without him stepping up alot of families would have struggled.

Unfortunately it's difficult to have a voice and be heard in today's societies and the struggles of the little person often go unheard or get brushed under the carpet.

What makes footballers a bit more unique compared to other influential people is that far more of them come from poverty and working class areas - areas which often have no voice. There's alot of working class representation from footballers and they should be using their voices to stand up for their communities.

It's all well and good saying keep politics out of sport but the governing bodies do the very opposite of that. Qatar and Saudia Arabias recent rise in sport being perfect examples. Using blood money to try and improve their image and corrupt footballing bodies profiteering from it.

How is feeding poor children a political issue though? maybe it is IF you are an american with 33T in debt yet the quality of life is getting worse because big chunk of those money was spent on wars instead of your own people.

https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.c...pologises-for-anti-semitic-social-media-post/

One example for the "against" column.

So much for freedom of speech....

 

[Sky1981]

No politics in sports.

100%

Or else someone would come with I support Trump, Bibi, or whatever non PC stuff and the world can't handle it.

Take it somewhere else

 

[Red in STL]

How is feeding poor children a political issue though? maybe it is IF you are an american with 33T in debt yet the quality of life is getting worse because big chunk of those money was spent on wars instead of your own people.



So much for freedom of speech....

Well it shouldn't be, indeed feeding any person shouldn't be a political issue, but it is because certain sections of society have determined that feeding people is a choice

 

[Sky1981]

Let's pretend... If some footballer says the following

1. Justice for Mason Greenwood, innocent until proven guilty

2. Free Palestine

3. I stand with Israel

4. Save Syria

5. Promote Trans right, let them compete in woman class

Etc

That alone would already spark a debate, amplify that with many more cause that might be important to them but ridiculous in the grand scheme of things.

Imagine that in the line up one player holding Liberate Gaza, while the next player holding a Save stray cat movement.

Would quickly turn into a farce

 

[Joel Miller]

If I was a footballer I’d be tempted to keep my thoughts private. It’s just not worth the hassle you get from thousands of strangers.!

 

[The Siege]

I think there must often be a big gap between what is good for them vs what they feel is the right thing to do as the human being they see themselves as. I agree with the OP, they're adults, they deal with the pros and cons. They ply their trades in one of the highest echelons of capitalism, and if they're okay missing out on opportunities because of the principles they feel define them, that's their call.

I do really mind the 'shut up and stick to football' narrative that some fans tend to throw at them. That's nonsense, they're humans in a society and the trickle down effects of all politics will come back to them in some way as well. Factual or not, disconnected from reality or not, telling them to shut up is a bizarre thing to do. By all means, point out the holes in their stance if needed.

 

[do.ob]

So much for freedom of speech....

When you post “send Jewish people a dark day.” you're certainly testing the limits.

 

[Sky1981]

I think there must often be a big gap between what is good for them vs what they feel is the right thing to do as the human being they see themselves as. I agree with the OP, they're adults, they deal with the pros and cons. They ply their trades in one of the highest echelons of capitalism, and if they're okay missing out on opportunities because of the principles they feel define them, that's their call.

I do really mind the 'shut up and stick to football' narrative that some fans tend to throw at them. That's nonsense, they're humans in a society and the trickle down effects of all politics will come back to them in some way as well. Factual or not, disconnected from reality or not, telling them to shut up is a bizarre thing to do. By all means, point out the holes in their stance if needed.

They're not free though, they're employee and as such needs to abide by company rules.

Just like you just don't see McD employee waving political gesture.

I would fire anyone of my employee that display political stance, regardless of what.

 

[Meep]

I would happily take footballers standing up for democracies (like Ukraine and Israel). They shouldn't be silenced because all the big money nowadays comes from fascist autocracies who can't stand people that criticize anything. They should instead be held high an lifted up as good role models with high morals and ethics for speaking their mind. It will cost them and people believing in democracy and secularism should support them in these crazy times.

 

[garelo]

When you post “send Jewish people a dark day.” you're certainly testing the limits.

Who is setting the limits here? Is it ok to post "send Russia to the stone age"? i remember watching video of NAFOS group mocking russian kid who got devoured by shark in egypt by bringing shark doll to the stage, honestly watching that made me want to puke. what's next? shall we celebrate the tragic death of innocent american because of their goverment action? so tasteless.

I would happily take footballers standing up for democracies (like Ukraine and Israel). They shouldn't be silenced because all the big money nowadays comes from fascist autocracies who can't stand people that criticize anything. They should instead be held high an lifted up as good role models with high morals and ethics for speaking their mind. It will cost them and people believing in democracy and secularism should support them in these crazy times.

It seems that you have forgotten that the current predicament of middle east is caused by democratic regimes, be it the british or their younger sibling, the united states. It's not like democracy is completely innocent, especially in the last 20 years when the sole hegemone is a democratic country.

 

[GazTheLegend]

Are all these newbies Russian propagandists or something? This thread is getting really weird really quickly. Back on topic I think personally politically charged opinions are things footballers should try to steer clear of, but they are human beings at the end of the day and are entitled to their thoughts.

My "problem" with it isn't so much the opinions themselves but that being good at football doesn't necessarily qualify you as an expert on, well, ANYTHING else, but -because- they are good at football they have a platform to voice those opinions to millions of people, which could be difficult for a club that only wants to win games and be successful, not change the world.

 

[klsv]

Ukraine is a big country. They have different opinions on different matters. Russia trying to invade them won't make all ukrainians to have same views, it just makes them set aside their differences.

If we'd all live in Redcafestan and Rawkia started bombing us with shite poetry bombs, we'd perhaps fight against them instead of arguing about Greenwood and Qatar. This won't mean our opinions on those issues are somehow erased and we're just "anti-Rawk".

Ukraine has liberals, conservatives, pro-zionists, anarchists, fascists etc. Just because Zinchenko doesn't like his home being bombed, doesn't mean he's political views can be summarised as "anti-Russian" and that he should follow a set guidelines on which sides to support in any other conflict. Biden also supports Ukraine and Israel. I don't agree with him, but it shows that all this is not mutually exclusive.

 

[Krny]

Football/sport and politics always has and always should be allowed to go hand in hand.

Many examples of this.

Firstly Celtic a club born out of the need to help counter the affects of poverty due to political failure towards the Irish diaspora , a club who defiantly flew the Irish tricolour to represent these people after many calls for it to be banned. A club that was built to feed the poor of glasgow.

You have the Green Brigade (celtic fans) who again due to political failure have felt the need to organise numerous charity events and food banks for the less fortunate people of glasgow and beyond, another example from the GB is their consistent support of the oppressed people of Palestine and especially in the face of UEFAs attempted censorship managed to raise £180,000 to help alleviate the affects of poverty, oppression and political sanctions in Gaza , there are many more examples from Celtic fans.

Another club who's fans are proud of their political past are Barcelona who's club motto is Mes que un club (More than a club) due to their actions during the Spanish civil war and how they helped preserve Catalan national identify, language and customs. They were one of the only public spaces where Catalan language and expression was free from persecution.

Athletic Bilbao is another club steeped in politics and are proud of their Basque heritage (read a book called Morbo - Phil ball

"Morbo is the unique element that gives Spanish football its special flavour. More than mere rivalry, it is the expression in a thousand provocative ways of the feeling between clubs divided by history, language and politics")

In England more recently you had Marcus Rashford using his fame from football to highlight food poverty faced by many little children, he successfully campaigned and got the tory rats to rethink their policy and in turn got a lot of kids food that otherwise they wouldn't have. He also regularly organises foodbanks due to political failure towards many families struggling.

Further afield in Cote d'Ivoire , during its bloody civil war , Didier Drogba and his national teammates helped get warring factions together in peace talks and contributed to bringing an ever need peace in the country.

Liverpool fans also have felt the affects of politics when the Hillsborough disaster happened and had to campaign for years for justice

Outside of football and into other sports ,you have Muhammad Ali who was a prominent Black Civil rights activist and he used his renown to further their cause , he was also very vocal about the vietnam war.

The 1968 Olympics in Mexico seen gold and bronze medalist Tommie smith and Joan Carlos showing the raised fist on the podium after the 200m both wearing the Olympic Project for Human Rights badges. Peter Norman(silver medalist) from Australia also wears an OPHR badge in solidarity with his two fellow athletes.

In US sports and in what became a world wide phenomenon Colin Kapearnick famously took a knee against police brutality and racism in US society and beyond , he lost contracts and sponsors due to this but what he done has now become a world wide symbol for being against anti-black racism.

The NBA admist backlash from people who "don't want politics in sport" opened their stadiums as polling stations to give people more opportunity and access to vote in the American elections

Im not sure about the affect of LGBT campaigns in football but I'd hazard a guess that they have helped alot of people feel more comfortable their sexuality and helped people stand up for the rights of these people.

Sport has also been used as a tool used to help temper racial and Sectarian tensions in many countries by bringing "enemies" to face one another or play with eachother to humanise each side more. Malaysia and the North of Ireland are good examples of this.


There are examples of Sport being used for more sinister political ideologies without a doubt, The old defunct , Rangers FC as we all know, Beitar Jerusalem both having racist employment policies . The British militaristic triumphalism we see with poppy month etc but for me sport and football is a platform that the voiceless can be given a voice and to try and stop that would be criminal and only serve to hegemonise the political and societal status quo.

Players should be allowed to have a voice, even if their voice says things we don't agree with. To silence them would be ultimately wrong. Plus if they say something questionable they can be challenged and you can have an idea what type of person they are. Better knowing peoples views (especially if they are extreme) than not knowing them.

 

[Meep]

It seems that you have forgotten that the current predicament of middle east is caused by democratic regimes, be it the british or their younger sibling, the united states. It's not like democracy is completely innocent, especially in the last 20 years when the sole hegemone is a democratic country.

Did you have anything to say about the topic? Can players say what they want if it appeases you? To your logic; If you are never guilty of your actions because something bad happened to you as a child or a youngster then what kind of world would we have?