Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic believe that footballers have the power to combat racism. "We should all walk off the pitch.”
The pair were in Dubai to speak at the Globe Soccer Awards and discussed numerous topics, including how to tackle racism, which has blighted this Serie A season.
“Players have great power, we have to utilise it to send a positive message. An example is Mario Balotelli in Verona when he put his foot down, and he has all my support," said Lukaku.
Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic believe that footballers have the power to combat racism. "We should all walk off the pitch.”
The pair were in Dubai to speak at the Globe Soccer Awards and discussed numerous topics, including how to tackle racism, which has blighted this Serie A season.
“Players have great power, we have to utilise it to send a positive message. An example is Mario Balotelli in Verona when he put his foot down, and he has all my support," said Lukaku.
“We must all commit to an indispensable change. The English model should be followed, as there are very strict rules there.
“In any case, it’s important to make people understand that football is fun."
Pjanic then added his opinion on the subject, stating that the time has come to walk off the pitch in incidents of racism.
“It pains me to see certain scenes and I am honest: If I were to see a companion in difficulty, I am convinced that we should all leave the field with him.
“I come from Bosnia, a country that has suffered. My family fled to Luxembourg, and we will never stop thanking them,” said Pjanic.
The Bosnian articulated that footballers also need to set the standard for the fans watching.
“We must be a role model and be careful what we publish on social media.
“It is important to know what and when to write, we must pass on positive messages.
"Now I work with Unicef to help others. I want to help people, we have the fame and money to help.”