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A former Premier League footballer from Guernsey has used his platform as a pundit to stand against the Black Lives Matter organisation.
Spotted wearing a Black Lives Matter badge on Sky Sports, Matt Le Tissier suggested to his half-a-million Twitter followers that his bosses had asked him to wear the accessory, despite his differing opinions.
He said he doesn't support racism, but that his issues with the global organisation lie with its "promotion" of "defunding the police" and "ending capitalism".
Let me get this straight you promote defunding the police and ending capitalism?
— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) June 28, 2020
The conversation began when Mr Le Tissier tweeted: "Morning peeps, polite request, if you’re far right or far left do me and yourselves a favour and unfollow me. It’ll be good for yours and our mental health, as I couldn’t give two hoots how many followers I have I won’t be offended. As you were, enjoy your Sunday."
At this point, some of his followers pointed out the pundit's public support of a 'far left' organisation, to which he responded: "That's a good point and one which I've made to my boss already. I'll let you guess the rest".
That’s a good point and one which I’ve made to my boss already. I’ll let you guess the rest
— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) June 28, 2020
I am reviewing
— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) June 28, 2020
Mr Le Tissier also showed support for fellow former footballer, Karl Henry, who has also spoken out about BLM.
Has he got a valid point https://t.co/qNvnW1aHR1
— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) June 29, 2020
Some of England's top football clubs have shown their support for the global anti-racism movement by kneeling before matches - in memory of George Floyd - and replacing names with 'Black Lives Matter' on the back of playing shirts.
However, the Premier League recently published a letter saying it "does not endorse any political organisation or movement, nor support any group that calls for violence or condones illegal activity".
Yesterday, Sky Sports shared a statement on the matter, clarifying its position on Black Lives Matter and the badges.
FYI. Sky Sports Statement | Sky Group https://t.co/iM0oAEZmkC
— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) July 2, 2020
It read: "Our support is for the moral cause and campaign, that Black Lives Matter, rather than for any political organisation.
"We support the Premier League, its clubs and players who are making a powerful collective statement, that Black lives matter and there is no room for racism.
"Sky has made a number of commitments to tackle racial injustice and support anti-racism. As part of this, some of our pundits have chosen to wear Black Lives Matter badges on air and others are choosing to support the anti-racism cause in many other ways."
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