Following the report by barrister Katharine Newton and inquiry in front of the House of Commons digital, culture, media and sport select committee, there have been some very interesting reactions from the England players who backed Mark Sampson at the Russia game with that infamous team hug celebration.
Here are the comments made on social media since the end of the inquiry from the 23 players who were selected in the squad for that game.
I have no doubt that privately some players have been supportive on Eniola Aluko. But the players led by Nikita Parris made a clear public message of backing Mark Sampson with their goal celebration against Russia.
We can be sure that the FA has also told the players not to go on social media and comment on yesterday’s events. Hence the following:
The official Lionesses account:
https://twitter.com/Lionesses/status/920915115976921088
Fran Kirby:
https://twitter.com/frankirby/status/920776820332654592
Casey Stoney:
Hope my two little people have a lovely day at school!! Looking forward to hearing all about it… https://t.co/3DiUSAej7S
— Casey Stoney MBE (@CaseyStoney) October 19, 2017
Jade Moore was in the papers.
Jill Scott:
Just to explain what I was doing ha…. I can now unlock my phone with my nose! My achievement… https://t.co/GtflPipdBA
— Jill Scott (@JillScottJS8) October 19, 2017
So basically no comments from the players on social media.
In contrast, those who have backed Eni Aluko have been very vocal:
https://twitter.com/MrsPCB/status/920712100401614859
Privilege is invisible to those who have it. #integrity https://t.co/AUDbjbPmHU
— Claire Rafferty (@clrafferty1) October 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/_ESP_2012/status/920896030895493120
The only players who backed Aluko, like Lianne Sanderson, Anita Asante or Katie Chapmanwere, were all out of the England squad.
The current players’ silence throughout the whole process does not project the best image to the public and fans.