White England players only

[UlleyMiller]

I didn't see the pictures. Was it the same player or the same photo? If it's the latter, the chances are very high. If it's the former, the chances may still be very high if he looked significantly more disappointed/upset than other players.

Your latter point was about 'purely on numbers'. So as I said, 'purely on numbers' (GCSE maths if you like), what is the probability that two major national papers (I'll ignore any history, reputations, etc) opt to show the same black player.

Bonus point if you can whip up a probability when also factoring in the option of the manager for the picture, and the numerous opportunities of photos in-game of players more involved over 90 minutes.

Try as I might, I can't get this to come out to a high probability outcome.

[Lasterman]

Your latter point was about 'purely on numbers'. So as I said, 'purely on numbers' (GCSE maths if you like), what is the probability that two major national papers (I'll ignore any history, reputations, etc) opt to show the same black player.

Bonus point if you can whip up a probability when also factoring in the option of the manager for the picture, and the numerous opportunities of photos in-game of players more involved over 90 minutes.

Try as I might, I can't get this to come out to a high probability outcome.

Sorry, I still don't know whether it was the same PICTURE or the same PLAYER so can't answer the probability question. If it's the same PICTURE, the probability question doesn't arise. The main photograph was unlikely to be 'in-game' because not much happened, England didn't score and the main story was the loss. The photo' would be expected to illustrate that.

Cut to the chase rather than dancing around...are you of the opinion that Saka was chosen to illustrate the defeat article because he's black?

[UlleyMiller]

Sorry, I still don't know whether it was the same PICTURE or the same PLAYER so can't answer the probability question. If it's the same PICTURE, the probability question doesn't arise. The main photograph was unlikely to be 'in-game' because not much happened, England didn't score and the main story was the loss. The photo' would be expected to illustrate that.

Cut to the chase rather than dancing around...are you of the opinion that Saka was chosen to illustrate the defeat article because he's black?

It's clear in my post that it's the same player. He played the last 25 minutes and had very little involvement.

There's no dancing around, I'm adding context where it's not given and I'm drawing attention to the tired "cOuLd bE cOiNciDeNcE" apologism routine.

It's possible Saka is being targeted by certain quarters because he's known to ruffle some feathers, it's possible he's there because he's photogenic... all sorts of things may be possible, but if scenarios are put forward I find it useful to allow people to understand the likelihood of that scenario.

[Lasterman]

It's clear in my post that it's the same player. He played the last 25 minutes and had very little involvement.

There's no dancing around, I'm adding context where it's not given and I'm drawing attention to the tired "cOuLd bE cOiNciDeNcE" apologism routine.

It's possible Saka is being targeted by certain quarters because he's known to ruffle some feathers, it's possible he's there because he's photogenic... all sorts of things may be possible, but if scenarios are put forward I find it useful to allow people to understand the likelihood of that scenario.

Okay so different photo's of the same player. Maybe it's because they don't like him or because he's black. But it doesn't have to be either of those things, or indeed, coincidence. More likely, it's the way he reacted that made an interesting picture.

[Lolmorgan]

His he a footballer, Yes. Does he play for England, Yes. So does it matter if he’s black or white, NO.I wish some people would stop looking at things when there’s nothing there.If we had won 10-0 & only showed white players would they have moaned then probably YES. It’s sad really.

[UlleyMiller]

His he a footballer, Yes. Does he play for England, Yes. So does it matter if he’s black or white, NO.I wish some people would stop looking at things when there’s nothing there.If we had won 10-0 & only showed white players would they have moaned then probably YES. It’s sad really.

How do you know nothing is 'there'? It's peculiar that there's so much conviction that the S** and Mail have no agenda. One is forever tarnished because of lies about Liverpool fans, the other has such a disconnect with the truth that Wikipedia won't allow it to be used as a reliable source. Why is conviction in these entities so easy to find?

[Back of the net]

Everything is racism it has to be right.
It’s ridiculous and suits an agenda unfortunately.

[Grist_To_The_Mill]

His he a footballer, Yes. Does he play for England, Yes. So does it matter if he’s black or white, NO.I wish some people would stop looking at things when there’s nothing there.If we had won 10-0 & only showed white players would they have moaned then probably YES. It’s sad really.

Been mentioned above, there weren't many white players to choose from anyway

As for the coverage, you've got a journo writing a quick piece about a crap match and you need a photo of a disappointed player. Ideally because it's a UK newspaper a player still with a UK club would be best. So an Arsenal/England player fits the bill.

But as you say, sad really

[UlleyMiller]

And here are yet more examples of why I've never been an England fan. I'd be embarrassed to align to mentalities like these.

[Heliosphan]

Been mentioned above, there weren't many white players to choose from anyway

As for the coverage, you've got a journo writing a quick piece about a crap match and you need a photo of a disappointed player. Ideally because it's a UK newspaper a player still with a UK club would be best. So an Arsenal/England player fits the bill.

But as you say, sad really

I think a fair number of white players started the game and were on the pitch when Iceland scored, so that's an absolutely bizarre comment.

I'm not suggesting the press are rallying against black players but given the abuse Saka received after his missed penalty at Euro 2020, his lack of participation in the Iceland game and (apparently) the prominent use of his face/image after this game, can you understand the concerns that Kick It Out have raised, or not really?

One thing I will say is that the image of Saka about to throw a paper plane is tabloid fodder and crying out for a headline.