FB post re Spence’s debut..

Sorry no link, but basically some comments were slamming the BBC for posting about him being the first Muslim Player to be capped by England. Some accusing them of potentially whipping up well whatever. I just mentioned for balance that the ITV commentary team commented about it during their live coverage. WTF is wrong with folk. Obviously ( to me anyway) it doesn’t matter what religion, etc,etc, The only questions should be things like, has he deserved a call-up? is he good enough? What did he play like?

 

Surprised he’s the first muslim player if that’s true, but thought he looked excellent when he came on. Clearly relishes defensive battle with his opposite number and made some good challenges.
I’d like to know who the first atheist player to play for England was.

 

I'm surprised too. Id imagine someone from years gone by has been Muslim but just not revealed it. As for an atheist, its probably well over 100 years ago

 

I dont see it as something to get "ramped up" over, but I really don't see what relevance his religion has on anything whatsoever.

There's a good clip of Morgan Freeman discussing racism with Don Lemon years ago, worth a watch.

Most people, myself included, couldn't care less what religion a player prescribes to. It's such an arbitrary thing to mention, especially when we're supposed to see each other equally, and as people, yet we spend forever and a day labelling people and popping them into neat little boxes. Surely that can only cause division in the end?

Djed Spence is a Muslim......so? I've heard he also prefers Frosties as opposed to Cornflakes....equally....so?

 

It might not matter to you, but I imagine there were thousands of Muslim kids watching the match last night who now might have hope that one day they could play for England.

 

He's a great defender. One of Tottenham's better players. Like lightning and can actually defend.

 

It's Interesting me is this. Either the BBC has gone through the archives and contacted all the players who have ever played for England, and the relatives of those who have played and have passed away to ask about their religion, or they've just had a guess based on the lads colour. Does this amount to racism?

 

Spence is openly Muslim. In no way have they "made a guess based on his colour"

 

That's ridiculous. He's black, there's been oodles of black players for England, why would they just guess that this particular black player is Muslim? They know he is, no guessing.

 

It’s always the ones who supposedly aren’t bothered about thing like who seem the most bothered!

All very strange

 

Absolutely this

 

What league do Muslim play in

 

The claim is he is the first known Muslim player to represent England.
In today’s climate it’s a big step, shouldn’t be but society makes it so.

 

As I said earlier it’s not just the BBC, it was mentioned during ITV’s live TV coverage. As for ‘the lads colour’ surely you’re not saying all Muslims are of ‘colour’

 

Like Yoganathan is one of the first south Asian players to play in the top four leagues. Players like this open doors and inspire kids from the same background.

 

He's the first player in the English game of Tamil origin. I follow him on Instagram, and he does loads of interviews with others of that origin, sharing his experiences. The comments sections are awash with praise for him. He's certainly a role model, and will undoubtedly inspire a generation of young footballers to believe they can achieve what he has, and likely will in the future.

 

Commentators have to fill a lot of dead air. You hear all sorts of snippets about players if they've done their research. Or you certainly used to when the likes of John Motson were commentating. They considered it part of their job. I don't know if that's still the case as I don't watch much football, but I would imagine so.

This is just one of those interesting snippets about a player. I think it was said to demonstrate the inclusivity of the England team. You'd have to be deep rooted in bigotry to take any offence.

Is he the first Muslim to play for England? I don't know. The commentators probably don't know either. I think they were saying he's the first person to play for England for whom the Islamic faith is part of their everyday vernacular. The first practicing/devout Muslim who openly speaks about his faith. I don't think there's any problem at all mentioning that like they used to mention Pat Nevin had a degree and Ian Wright played non-league.

 

The Sky+ commentators are great for this. They clearly aren't that familiar with the players of Barnsley and Exeter for example, and come out with facts so niche, you'd swear they were invented. "Exeter's number 17 is on the ball, he once had a brief relationship with Vanessa from the Saturday's. They played mini golf and split the bill at Nando's".

 

wasn't Michael Chopra the first of something?

 

First football league player with a single figure IQ.