Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD) notes the recent press coverage of Kyle Walker.
Kyle has been a FURD ambassador for six years now who has regularly shown his support for the project's aim to use football as a means of building mutual understanding and togetherness. He has very strong family and friendship roots in Sheffield, and has always recognised the role his parents have played in his development.
Kyle was recommended to Sheffield United by FURD coaches as a 7 year old, so we have taken great pride in his progress from council flats close by the Bramall Lane ground to England international and treble winner with Manchester City.
He does not deserve to be the coronavirus scapegoat being painted by some sections of the media, nor the harassment of family members that has taken place recently. FURD stands firmly behind Kyle and his family at this difficult time.
FURD (Football Unites, Racism Divides) was established by youth workers, community groups and football fans in Sheffield in 1995, and aims to increase understanding and cross-cultural relationships through the power of football.