Liverpool and England defender Trent-Alexander Arnold has called for action against structural racism on the day of the Merseyside Derby.
Alexander-Arnold posted an emotional message to his social media on Sunday alongside a picture of the boots he wore in Liverpool's game against Everton on Sunday evening. The boots will be auctioned after the game, with all money raised going to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, who Alexander-Arnold praised for their "incredible work in striving for freedom and equality for all".
In his post, PFA member Alexander-Arnold said: "Tonight my boots will carry the message Black Lives Matter. It can no longer just be our feet where we express ourselves,” the full-back wrote on Twitter. “We have to use our profile, the platforms we have and the spotlight that shines on us to say it’s time for meaningful change."
To read the full post, click here.
He added: "The system is broken, it’s stacked against sections of our society and we all have a responsibility to fix it. Black people are viewed differently. We face discrimination in actions but also in thought. It’s more than just violence and abuse. Opportunity in life is restricted if you look a certain way. How can that be in 2020?
“We are prejudged on skin colour rather than character and personality. We then have to prove these misconceptions wrong! Why? Why is it my responsibility to correct an ignorant perception? Sadly, so many in the black community have to face this each and every day.
“This is the moment of change. This is the moment to say enough is enough. This is the moment to make sure it stops now. Racism is a fire that is now burnt out.”
