Two of Manchester’s biggest footballing stars, Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott, have been branded ‘shithouses’ by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) chairman Clarke Carlisle.
Carlisle’s attack relates to the players’ refusal to take part in an anti-racism campaign last season in which players were asked to wear ‘Kick it Out’ t-shirts.
As well as the two Manchester star’s Carlisle also singled out Anton Ferdinand and Jason Roberts for criticism.
“Kick it Out is one of few bodies doing something positive about the issue, but there are some who evidently feel it is not doing enough,” Carlisle said in an extract of his new autobiography published in the Daily Mail.
“Rio and Anton were among a group of high-profile abstainers along with Joleon Lescott.
Carlisle believes that, while several players boycotted the campaign, those that did not face the media and explain their actions acted cowardly.
“At least Jason [Roberts] was vocal about his reasons. I don’t mind people disagreeing but at least say why.
“Jason apart, the Premier League ‘big’ players happily throw in a grenade but do nothing when it explodes, nothing other than appear to hide behind their advisers.
“That’s because they are shithouses. They have made their ‘statement’ for all to see but how many are prepared to stand in front of the cameras and be counted?”
Image courtesy of Alex O’Loughlin via Youtube, with thanks
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