Minister says Black Lives Matter is a 'political movement' when asked about fans booing
Speaking to Sky News, Environment Secretary George Eustice said BLM is "different to what most of us believe in".
Sunday 6 December 2020 14:19, UK
A minister has described Black Lives Matter as a "political movement" as he faced questions about fans who booed footballers taking a knee to support the issue.
Environment Secretary George Eustice made the comments when asked about Millwall supporters' behaviour before their game against Derby County on Saturday.
"The issue of race and racial discrimination is something that we all take very, very seriously," Mr Eustice told Sky News.
"My personal view is that Black Lives Matter, capital B, L and M, is actually a political movement that is different to what most of us believe in, which is standing up for racial equality.
"Each individual can take their own choices about how they reflect this.
"I know a number of people feel quite strongly and have taken that approach."
Mr Eustice was played footage of the booing and asked for his reaction to what he had seen and heard.
"I'm afraid I'm listening on a sort of a walkie-talkie in the middle of a street with a bus going behind me so… there have been problems with racism in football in the past," he replied.
"It's right that it's called out and challenged when we see it.
"It doesn't have any place in society today and if people choose to express their view in a particular way that should always be respected."
A spokesperson for Mr Eustice later told Sky News that when talking about respecting people's right to express themselves, he was speaking about players' taking the knee.
Footballers have been taking a knee at the start of matches since football resumed in June as part of global sporting protests against racial injustice, police brutality and systemic discrimination against black people.
Millwall said they are "dismayed and saddened" by fans booing players before the team's game at The Den.
It was the first time fans were able to watch from the stands since the coronavirus pandemic halted games in March, with around 2,000 supporters in the stands.
In a statement, the club said it has "worked tirelessly in recent months to prepare for the return of supporters and what should have been a positive and exciting occasion was completely overshadowed, much to the immense disappointment and upset of those who have contributed to those efforts".
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Boos were also heard when players took the knee before Colchester's game against Grimsby in League Two in front of close to 1,000 fans.
A Colchester statement said: "Colchester United are fully behind any and all of our players and staff who take a stand against any form of discrimination in football, sport and life.
"We also condemn the behaviours of any supporters that actively voice opposition to those activities."