Jurgen Klopp has praised Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child food poverty, while also using his platform as Liverpool manager to hit out at the lack of leadership from the UK Government.
Rashford’s campaign for extended school meals was ruled out by the Conservative Party this week, however, the response has seen independent business from across the country come together to ensure the poorest children in society have food to eat.
The Manchester United striker has been vocal on social media and cleverly used the hashtag #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY throughout his campaign. Now hundreds of companies are showing support — because the most vulnerable simply cannot depend on the UK Government.
It says a lot that companies are doing their bit in the UK despite suffering themselves due to the pandemic and lockdowns.
F R E E S C H O O L M E A L S
📍OLDHAMNo parent should struggle to feed their children. We’re offering FREE LUNCH BAGS for any child on free school meals during half term. Send us a direct message & we’ll have their lunch ready to go #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY @MarcusRashford pic.twitter.com/QV0qXn2g1k
— Grandpa Greene's (@GrandpaGreenes) October 23, 2020
Liverpool manager let go of the rivalry between our two clubs for a moment when discussing Rashford’s incredible work off the pitch throughout the pandemic. The 22-year-old has kept the UK Government on their toes and, although they ignored his recent attempts, I fully expect Rashford to continue providing a voice for the vulnerable children out there.
“What Marcus started is absolutely incredible, it’s so nice,” said Klopp on Friday (via Guardian).
“With all the rivalry between the two clubs, in these moments, as footballers, as human beings, we’re always united.
“It’s nice to show in a time when a lot of people who are really in charge of something don’t show any sign of proper leadership, that the boy, who has grown up in difficult circumstances, blessed with a sensational talent, never forgot his roots and where he came from.
“That he has top do it is a bit of a shame but it’s wonderful as well. I hope his mother is really proud of him, I don’t know him, but I am.
“That he plays for United makes it tricky but it’s really an absolutely wonderful thing. I’m sure he doesn’t want the praise, but it’s nice, that’s how it is. He’s a role model.
“It just shows football can do wonders in [these] moments. The subject is really serious, that’s why everybody puts rivalry aside and thinks about the most important things in life. I’m really pleased people show solidarity in these moments.”
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