John Barnes Challenges Gary Lineker on Racism in Football
Former England footballer John Barnes criticizes Gary Lineker for not speaking out against racism in football. Barnes argues that white figures in the sport should voice their opinions on the issue.
John Barnes, former Liverpool and England footballer, has publicly challenged Gary Lineker to speak out against racism in football. Barnes, who played alongside Lineker in two World Cups, expressed his frustration at the frequent requests for black former players to comment on racism in the sport.
At a Labour Party conference fringe event hosted by Show Racism The Red Card, Barnes stated, "If Gary Lineker or others ask me, I respond, 'Don't inquire about my thoughts. What's your opinion? You're the ones who can make a difference.'" Barnes emphasized the need for influential figures like Lineker to voice their views on the issue.
The former Liverpool forward, who scored 79 times for England between 1983 and 1995, argued that when prominent white individuals in football discuss racism, it carries more weight than when black players do so. He expressed concern that black players are often accused of "playing the race card" when they speak out about racism.
Barnes, now 60, highlighted the importance of involving white figures in the conversation about racism in football. He questioned why commentators like Roy Keane aren't asked for their opinions on racist incidents, instead of constantly turning to black pundits like Micah Richards and Thierry Henry.
"Let Gary Lineker, let whoever else who are the real movers and shakers, let them start talking. We need you to say it, because if you think it's wrong, say it's wrong and tell me why it's wrong."
The discussion also touched on the practice of taking the knee before matches, which began in 2020 following George Floyd's death. Barnes expressed skepticism about the sincerity of this gesture in football, suggesting that many participants didn't truly believe in its significance.
It's worth noting that Lineker, who scored 48 goals in 80 appearances for England and won the Golden Boot at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, has been involved in anti-racism campaigns in the past. He previously appeared in a Show Racism The Red Card video, praising football as an example of integration.
However, Barnes argues that more needs to be done. He emphasized that using black individuals as the primary voices in the fight against racism is not effective and may even be counterproductive. Barnes suggested that when high-profile white figures in football remain silent on racism, it implies they don't consider it important.
This critique comes at a time when discussions about racism in football continue to be prevalent. The Premier League, founded in 1992, has seen numerous incidents and campaigns related to combating racism over the years. Both Barnes and Lineker, inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005 and 2003 respectively, have been influential figures in these ongoing conversations.
As of September 2024, Lineker, who has been the lead presenter of Match of the Day since 1999, has not responded to Barnes' comments. The debate highlights the complex dynamics surrounding discussions of race in football and the responsibilities of high-profile figures in addressing these issues.
