Pep Guardiola hails Man United’s Marcus Rashford as Man City boss argues for football to change it’s political gag order

Man United’s Marcus Rashford 1 – UK government 0

Tuesday was a remarkable day for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.

In the past few days, Rashford took it upon himself to lead the charge to change the UK government’s position of stopping a free meal voucher scheme for kids at school.

This programme has been feeding kids from poor families with meals during the UK’s lockdown.

Rashford used his social media account and the BBC to push the government into a u-turn.

On Tuesday, the government caved. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has since praised Rashford for bringing attention to this issue.

Boris Johnson has thanked Marcus Rashford for his campaign to extend free school meals over the summer

Asked about the campaign by the footballer, the PM said he first became aware of it “today”https://t.co/a5A9eFhdv1 pic.twitter.com/DmoOHaAyY1

— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) June 16, 2020

Marcus Rashford talks to the BBC

EXCLUSIVE: Speaking in his first interview since the government U-turn on free school meals during the holidays, @MarcusRashford says he’s grateful the PM changed his mind ⤵️
Full interview on #BBCBreakfast tomorrow morning ⏰ pic.twitter.com/IMBf3DaJtC

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) June 16, 2020

Meanwhile, Matt Hancock thinks the Man United attacker is called ‘Daniel’ Rashford.

Oh dear. Matt Hancock accidentally called Marcus Rashford “Daniel Rashford”. pic.twitter.com/wzZg7vDgai

— Aubrey Allegretti (@breeallegretti) June 17, 2020

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 15: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United lies injured during the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on January 15, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola hails Rashford as Man City boss argues for football to change it’s political gag order

Rashford’s political achievements were posed to Man City manager Pep Guardiola during his Zoom press conference on Tuesday ahead of today’s match against Arsenal.

Guardiola was all-too-quick to applaud Rashford for his success, however the Man City manager also took the opportunity to air his grievances with how football currently gags it’s participants from speaking out on political issues. Guardiola said:

Maybe these stupid people don’t believe you are a human being too. We can have an opinion the same as a nurse, a doctor or even a politician. We are humans and why shouldn’t we say our opinion when you believe you can do a better society, when you are public?

What Raheem Sterling has done many times [regarding racism], other players in our club, Marcus Rashford or whoever; of course they have to use these platforms to make a better society.

They don’t need to get more money – fortunately for them they have enough – so they do it to get a better place to live, for families, for kids, for the next generation. I admire a lot these kinds of gestures because they do it for all of us.

A city united 🤜🤛

Pep Guardiola declares his admiration for @MarcusRashford‘s heroic campaigning efforts during the coronavirus pandemic 👏 pic.twitter.com/nk4Bzks6bF

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) June 16, 2020

 

Note: Guardiola has previously been sanctioned for political messaging

The topic of politics and football is clearly important to Guardiola.

It’s worth remembering that Guardiola has been punished previously for airing political messaging.

Back in 2018, the FA charged Guardiola after he wore a yellow ribbon in support of imprisoned Catalan politicians.

At the time Guardiola showed his disdain against the FA’s rules restricting such acts of expression. He said:

If they want to suspend me – Uefa, Premier League, Fifa – it’s OK.

 

How football is reacting to the Black Lives Matter movement

Is there a wider shift happening within English football with regards to allowing footballers to express political messages?

Ahead of the restart of the Premier League, the rules seem to be relaxing over the Black Lives Matter movement.

In recent days, the Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, has confirmed that teams will have the slogan “Black Lives Matter” on player’s shirts in this week’s games.

However, the Premier League have said this message is acceptable because it represented an ethical stance rather than a political one.

But is anyone buying that explanation? Surely the Black Lives Matter movement couldn’t be more political if it tried?!

‘It’s remarkable’ – @susannareid100

As the Premier League resumes, ‘Black Lives Matter’ will feature on the back of each of the players’ shirts.@piersmorgan | #GMB pic.twitter.com/OswSUPp7b1

— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 17, 2020

 

Also see: Why Leroy Sane & Aymeric Laporte are unlikely to start for Man City vs Arsenal.

Manchester City vs Arsenal preview: Premier League live streaming and betting tips.

The Premier League returns: Predictions for every team ahead of the restart.

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