After the demise of African-American national George Floyd, the world witnessed a global protest against White Supremacy and gave birth to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign.
Footballers in the English Premier League (EPL) are seen kneeling down for a few seconds before the start of play, standing in solidar𝕴ity with a campaign empowering the Black race.
Also, the game betw🅘een England and West Indies at Ageas Bowl in Southampton saw the return of in⭕ternational cricket post-COVID-19 hiatus.
Before the start of the match, players from🌼 both England and West Indies were seen kneeling down on one knee and clenched fists.
However, it was former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding’s vigorous stance against racism which has gained a substantial amount of applause all over the internet.
Even popular commentator and broadcaster Harsh Bhogle lauded Holding’s efforts during the match analysis segment.
“Well done @SkyCricket to offer time to talk about educating people on a cricket broadcast. I can see people in the comments section squirming a bit. I am smiling at the thought of educating them about colonialism and the extraordinary cruelty of some they regard as heroes!!” Bhogle tweeted.
Well done to offer time to talk about educating people on a cricket broadcast. I can see people in the comments section squirming a 𝐆bit. I 𓄧am smiling at the thought of educating them about colonialism and the extraordinary cruelty of some they regard as heroes!!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
“What people need to understand is that this thing stems from… hundreds of years ago. The dehumanisation of the black race is where it started,” said Holding on a Sky Sports’ show.
The cricketer-turned-commentator cited out the case of Amy Cooper, who falsely reported police after observing an African-American birdwatcher in New York 💫city.
“She [Cooper]…had the thought process that she was white, this man is black…the black guy will have to prove he is not guilty and by the time he proves he’s not guilty, he might be dead…That is why she did what she did,” Holding added.
Here’s how the cricketing community reacted:
Powerful. Very powerful.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
That's powerful .
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7)
Outstanding this from Michael Holding on / & well worth a listen. Well spoken my friend and great ꦡto have international cricket back ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚtoo !
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne)
I love Michael Holding.
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh)
We all need educating … PLEASE watch … Michael Holdings greatest delivery …
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)
True words spoken
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88)
This is why we need to keep the conversation going. Dressing up as banter b꧙ut not realising the impac✅t. Powerful.
— Isa Guha (@isaguha)
👏👏👏
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99)
//twitter.com/tinobest/status/1280832981486141440
Very powerful piece from Michael Holding
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage)