Football news - Rangers showed support for Bukayo Saka by presenting Arsenal with a signed shirt before their game
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Published 17/07/2021 at 13:27 GMT
Arsenal were given a signed Bukayo Saka shirt by Rangers before their friendly on Saturday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was presented with the Rangers shirt by Gers captain James Tavernier. Saka has suffered horrific racist abuse since the Euro 2020 final and Rangers were eager to offer their support to the 19-year-old Gunner.
Bukayo Saka of England during the England training session ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 final
Image credit: Getty Images
Rangers captain James Tavernier presented Arsenal with a signed shirt in support of Bukayo Saka before a friendly on Saturday.
Saka has been the victim of horrible racist abuse since missing a penalty for England in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
Arsenal players and head coach Mikel Arteta have come out in support of Saka, who has been given extended time off after the Euros.
Tavernier gave Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a signed Rangers shirt with Saka’s name on the back in support of the 19-year-old.
Saka was playing in his first major tournament for as they reached their first final in 55 years, with the young Arsenal winger emerging as a surprise star for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Police have made several arrests related to racist abuse of England players and Saka released a lengthy statement on Thursday.
“I have stayed away from social media for a few days to spend time with my family and reflect on the last few weeks,” he said.
“This message won’t do it justice how grateful I am for all the love that I have received, and I feel that I need to thank everyone who has supported me.
“It was an honour to be part of an England squad that leads by example, they are brothers for life and I’m grateful for everything that I have learnt from every one of the players and staff who worked so hard.
To help that team reach our first final in 55 years, seeing my family in the crowd, knowing what they’ve given up to help me get there, that meant everything to me.
“There are no words to tell you how disappointed I was with the result and my penalty. I really believed we would win this for you. I’m sorry that we couldn’t bring it home for you this year, but I promise you that we will give everything we’ve got to make sure this generation knows how it feels to win.
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'Racial abuse at England players after final disgusting and disgraceful'
“My reaction post-match said it all, I was hurting so much and I felt like I’d let you all and my England family down, but I can promise you this: I will not let that moment or the negativity that I’ve received this week break me.
“For those who have campaigned on my behalf and sent me heartfelt letters, wished me and my family well – I’m so thankful. This is what football should be about. Passion, people of all races, genders, religions and backgrounds coming together with one shared joy of the rollercoaster of football.
“To the social media platforms Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, I don’t want any child or adult to have to receive the hateful and hurtful messages that me, Marcus and Jadon have received this week.
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“I knew instantly the kind of hate that I was about to receive and that is a sad reality that your powerful platforms are not doing enough to stop these messages.
“There is no place for racism or hate of any kind in football or in any area of society and to the majority of people coming together to call out the people sending these messages, by taking action and reporting these comments to the police and by driving out the hate by being kind to one another, we will win. Love always wins.”
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