Scott Brown’s gesture of solidarity nominated for FIFA Fair Play Award…
The nominations for the FIFA Fair Play Award 2021 have been announced, and Scott Brown’s gesture of solidarity with Glen Kamara before the Glasgow derby back in March is one of the three moments in the running for the award.
theRangers midfielder had suffered racial abuse in a Europa League match against Slavia Prague, and as both sets of players warmed up before the derby clash, Scott Brown walked into theRangers’ half, shook Glen Kamara’s hand and put his arm around his back. The Finland internationalist reciprocated as the two players spoke for a few moments.
It was a gesture of solidarity from the then Celtic captain, on behalf of the club to Glen Kamara, one that was appreciated at the time and one which has now been acknowledged by FIFA. Here is the video…
Scott Brown’s gesture of solidarity with Glen Kamara before Celtic v Rangers last year has been nominated for the FIFA Fair Play Award 2021 👏🏼pic.twitter.com/qVTZgQLdik
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 23, 2021
The other two nominations for the FIFA Fair Play Award 2021 are as follows:
- The Danish medical team and players who responded heroically after Christian Eriksen collapsed during their Euro 2020 match against Finland, giving Eriksen immediate and life-saving CPR, creating a circle with team-mates to shield the player from cameras and comforting Christian Eriksen’s wife.
- Claudio Ranieri, who, as a gesture of goodwill to the recently-crowned Serie A champions, Inter Milan, got his Sampdoria side to form a guard of honour for the Inter players ahead of the game, a tradition he brought from his time in English football and, specifically, when his Leicester City side won the Premier League in 2016.
Since 1987, FIFA has recognised exemplary fair play with the FIFA Fair Play Award. The honour is bestowed on a player, coach, team, match official, individual fan or fan group in recognition of exemplary fair play behaviour, either on or off the pitch, such as:
- Playing by the rules and promoting the Laws of the Game; and/or
- Respecting team-mates, opponents, match officials and/or fans; and/or acting against discrimination.
In 2003, the Celtic supporters were awarded both the FIFA Fair Play Award and the UEFA Fair Play Award for their exemplary behaviour at the UEFA Cup final in Seville and their unwavering support of the team.
The winner of the FIFA Fair Play Award 2021 will be selected by a panel of experts representing both FIFA and external football stakeholders.
While Scott Brown’s gesture would normally have a very good chance you have to think that the Danish medical team and players who effectively saved their teammate’s life is going to be a worthy winner of this prestigious award. Broony’s global recognition in getting shortlisted is still notable and worthy of great praise from within the global football community.
🏅 @ScottBrown8's gesture of solidarity with Glen Kamara has been nominated for @FIFAcom Fair Play Award 2021 ✊#NoToRacism 🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 23, 2021