London – England defender Joleon Lescott will on Saturday continue his boycott of the Kick It Out campaign by refusing to wear an anti-racism T-shirt.
Players will be asked to don tops carrying an anti-racism slogan as part of the organisation’s awareness week. Lescott confirmed his stance after Reading striker Jason Roberts announced on Thursday that he would not take part in this weekend’s campaign. Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was on Friday night trying to decide whether to join them in refusing to wear the shirt because of his doubts about the general effectiveness of the Kick It Out campaign.
Lescott has not worn a Kick It Out T-shirt since 2007 after Newcastle’s Emre Belozoglu escaped punishment at an FA inquiry for allegedly directing racial abuse at Everton’s Joseph Yobo. Lescott, an Everton player at the time, provided written evidence after Turkey midfielder Emre was charged over the incident, which took place on December 30, 2006.
Daily Mail understands the Manchester City defender will be one of the highest profile names to boycott the Kick It Out campaign, a decision which will not be opposed by manager Roberto Mancini, when his team visit West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Although Lescott, 30, appreciates steps taken by the campaign in combating racism in football there is a feeling among many black footballers that the Kick It Out organisation does not take a tough enough stance to make a real difference.
This weekend’s boycott of the Kick It Out campaign comes after widespread criticism of John Terry’s four-match ban and £220,000 fine for aiming a racial slur at Anton Ferdinand – a punishment many regard as too lenient.
Like Lescott, United defender Ferdinand has reservations about backing the campaign and the 33-year-old was on Friday night still debating whether to wear the T-shirt.
While it is understood Ferdinand would rather not wear the top, Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday insisted all his players would toe the line.
Ferdinand will decide whether to follow his manager’s instructions or opt to protest by not wearing it.
QPR defender Anton, like his brother Rio, has reservations about wearing the jersey ahead of Saturday’s visit of Everton. But it is understood he will put one on after talks with Rangers officials.
A number of Reading players were contemplating taking a stand with teammate Roberts by not wearing a T-shirt during the trip to Liverpool, with manager Brian McDermott willing to allow individuals to make up their own minds.
Everton boss David Moyes will also leave it to the players to decide, as will his Swansea counterpart Michael Laudrup, whose team are at home to Wigan. – Daily Mail