Kick It Out urges UK media to rethink Saka coverage post Iceland defeat

Sections of the English press reacted strongly to England's 1-0 defeat against Iceland in their final Euro 2024 warm-up game. Despite having key players on the pitch, England failed to capitalize on chances and lacked a cutting edge. Bukayo Saka's image was prominently featured in newspapers to convey disappointment, even though he was not on the pitch when the goal was scored. This choice sparked controversy, with concerns raised about racial bias in media coverage. The anti-discrimination group Kick It Out criticized the media's focus on Saka and urged them to combat discrimination actively. The use of Saka's image reignited discussions about racism in football and the treatment of black players in the media. The letter from Kick It Out emphasized the impact of media representation on players, fans, and communities, calling for responsible reporting and combatting discrimination. The incident with Saka highlighted ongoing challenges faced by black players in football and the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in media coverage.