Bristol-born Ellis Genge reacts to Protesters tearing down statue
Rugby NewsSunday, 07 June 2020 at 21:19
A slave trader's statue in Bristol has been torn down and thrown into the harbour during a second day of anti-racism protests across the UK.
Edward Colston was a member of the Royal African Company, which transported about 80,000 men, women and children from Africa to the Americas.
It comes after largely peaceful demonstrations in London on Saturday ended in some clashes with police.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick urged protesters to find another way to make their views heard.
Ellis Genge, who was born in Bristol, reacted to the story by asking if the school named after the slave trader will be changed.
Gloucester forward Jamal Ford-Robinson also backed the actions of the protesters.
"I tend to stay away from heavy subjects on social media, it's just not the place to have reasonable discussion," wrote the forward.
"However, if you have a problem with this, then please block me.
"I want nothing to do with you."
Historian Prof David Olusoga told BBC News that the statue should have been taken down long before.
He said: "Statues are about saying 'This was a great man who did great things.' That is not true, he [Colston] was a slave trader and a murderer."
8 times Ellis Genge proved he was a legend
1) When he smashed through a whole South African school
Here is some rare footage of a young Genge showing why the England and Leicester Tigers prop was given the nickname ‘baby rhino’.
2) When he made a young fans day
A young lad who has been struggling in school was the recipient of Genge’s jersey post-match after the England prop had been swapping messages and supporting him online.
3) When he made an older fans day
The prop gave the mobility scooter he used when he was recovering from a knee injury to someone who really needs it.
4) Just enjoy this compilation. He's the best.
5) When he put Austin Healey in his place
The 23-year-old, who is a boyhood Bristol fan, was highly critical of Austin Healey, accusing the former England centre of ‘bagging people’.
6) And finally, the legendardy post-match interview
"A lot of sausages just say what comes into their head."
This post-match interview from England's Calcutta Cup triumph in 2019 will definitely go down in history.
7. When he made Kyle Sinckler his valentine
Genge puts together a romantic breakfast for his roommate Kyle Sinckler on Valentines Day.
8. This story from Nigel Owens
“One of the main talking points from last weekend was England prop Ellis Genge’s interview after the match, in which he had scored an important try,” Owens wrote in his weekly column for Wales Online.
“I know Ellis Genge pretty well as a player as I’ve reffed him many times. He always comes up after the game and he sent me a message after the France game saying “well done on a great game and a great career”. I have a lot of respect for him.
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