‘Teddy’ talks racism

Former Reggae Boyz midfielder, Jermaine ‘Teddy’ Johnson, said that while he did not personally experience racism during his 13-year spell playing in England, he did witness it at first hand and is encouraged by the current outcry.

“I never went through that (racism) but I saw people I played with go through it at first hand. I always have a good encounter with the white people I have been around. I never got that (racial abuse) but I saw it and it was not nice.”

Johnson’s comments come in light of global protests following the killing of an African-American man in North America, George Floyd, who died in police custody, after he was knelt on at the neck by a white police officer and his colleagues.

“When I was there (England) I just kept myself away from certain things. I didn’t talk back to fans or got involved with them. I always tried to play my game and understand that they (fans) are in charge, because they can say anything and get away with it, but once we react, it is a problem for us,” Johnson said.

“What happened to (George) Floyd is sad. How in the year 2020 are these things still happening? You have to wonder when is it going to stop. But we as black people, we cannot fight by ourselves, we have to fight together and show support for each other because unity is strength. That is the only way we can achieve justice,” he stated.

Johnson, who played for English clubs such as Bolton Wanderers, Oldham Athletic, Bradford City and Sheffield Wednesday, was pleased to see well-known footballers across the world supporting the cause.

DISAPPOINTED WITH THE LOOTING

He is, however, disappointed with the scattered looting and violence that has occurred in some instances.

“I feel good about that (support for Floyd) but I don’t like when you change from a good purpose to a bad impression. The rioting, looting and smashing of vehicles is not good. When they (protesters) marched and did the right things, that is the right way to go and that is the only way we are going to get help.

“But these things (sanctions) are going to happen, we (players) just have stay strong and do whatever we think is right and show support, no matter if we think we are getting fined. We have to highlight it and show that the situation is really bad,” Johnson stated.