Racing breaks out after Sky News panelist claims England’s World Cup Lioness team is ‘not that diverse’ and filled with ‘blond blue-eyed girls’
- Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE was labeled ‘racist’ by outraged people online
A race spat has erupted after an entrepreneur claimed England’s World Cup lionesses squad is ‘not that diverse’ and full of ‘blonde, blue-eyed’ football stars.
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, who claims to be one of Britain’s only black commercial farmers, said the team was ‘not representative’ of Britain.
His comments, made during a Sunday front-page review on Sky News, have received backlash online.
Some people have labeled the entrepreneur “racist” and criticized him for not accepting that the “best players” had been chosen.
“I don’t want to pour boiling water on it, but it’s not that diverse,” said the farmer, describing the front page of the Daily Mirror – which featured a host of English stars on its cover.
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, who claims to be one of Britain’s only black commercial farmers, said the squad was ‘not representative’ of Britain.
Sarina Wiegman, England coach, comforts England’s Lauren James (left) after their defeat in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final at Stadium Australia
‘It really stands out. They look blond and blue-eyed. If it were the men’s World Cup it would be very representative of the Britain we are in and very, very diverse.
“What you notice is that this is not representative of diverse Britain. It’s all those blonde, blue-eyed girls – and I wish them well – but I think we have to ask ourselves why there’s a lack of diversity.’
He continued, “If you could have the men’s team that’s very diverse, why doesn’t that translate to the women’s team?”
But the entrepreneur’s comments sparked outrage on social media.
Chris Rose tweeted: ‘It’s disappointing but predictable to see comments like this about the Women’s England team.
‘Wouldn’t it be possible that the best were chosen? Other countries have football teams with similar diversity, but are not criticized for that.’
Another added: “Disgusting racist rhetoric. You choose sports teams based on SKILL not skin color. If you choose players based on skin color, YOU ARE RACIST.”
While a third person tweeted, “Oh god! Please! Teams are based on talent, not color!’
The entrepreneur set up the Black Farmer Scholarship, which aims to help and encourage ethnic minorities to work in the rural community – an underrepresented area. He was appointed an MBE in 2020 for his services to UK agriculture.
The entrepreneur set up the Black Farmer Scholarship, which aims to help and encourage ethnic minorities to work in the rural community – an underrepresented area. He was appointed an MBE in 2020 for his services to UK agriculture
The comments sparked a furious backlash on social media, with people snapping at Mr Jones
Mr Emmanuel-Jones’ comments came before England were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.
As the match began, there were cheering scenes as England’s Lauren Hemp’s stunning shot almost netted the first goal of the match and instead cleared the crossbar.
Moments later, however, it was horror for the Lionesses as Spain scored the opener, as England’s fans groaned at the goal.
Then, despite a determined fight back by the Lionesses, it was followed by heartbreak as the final whistle blew, signaling the end of England’s hopes of World Cup Glory.