England fans urged to STOP booing players as they take the knee

England fans are being urged to get behind the team and their efforts to raise awareness about racist abuse.

A section of supporters at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough booed as players took the knee at the beginning of their friendlies against Austria and Romania.

It’s the second game in a row where this has happened.

Paul Kearns is Deputy CEO at the charity Show Racism the Red Card in Newcastle he says it’s disheartening that some supporters aren’t supporting the team:

"It's really disappointing what fans have to realise is that they are booing a anti-racism movement. This is a strong message that Gareth Southgate and the England team are sending, they're showing a united front against racism. That small section of fans who are booing this really need to take a long hard look at themselves."

Gareth Southgate has called for fans to respect his players and said they would continue to take the knee at games during the Euros:

"It isn't going to stop what we are doing and what we believe. It certainly isn't going to stop my support for our players and our staff."

England take on Croatia in their first Group D clash on Sunday at Wembley. Paul from Show Racism the Red Card says this is a good opportunity for fans to back the players and the stance they're taking:

"What a wonderful opportunity now at Wembley Stadium for fans to come together get behind the team and show their support for the anti-racism movement. This is a unique opportunity for the fan base to say we've heard the boos, we don't like it and we're going to reiterate our support for the players in every single sense."