'Everyone needs to talk about racism, not just the odd tweet or retweet', insists Wigan Athletic star

The protests in the US sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody have been repeated all over the world this week.

Several sporting stars in this country - including Latics team-mates Chey Dunkley and Leon Balogun - have added their support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.

And Byrne is hoping this could be a real watershed moment in the perennial fight against racism and discrimination.

"Obviously it's such a massive situation at the moment...it's even taken over from Covid-19," he told the Wigan Post.

"It's a global problem, and I think what we need is more respect and more education first and foremost.

"The movement has been very powerful, and everyone's doing their little bit.

"But it's obviously not just about Tuesday, it's about everyone really taking responsibility to challenge racism and discrimination.

"And that's not just in sport, it's in society, in everyday life, here and in America, and it's shocking."

Byrne, who turned 28 yesterday, unfortunately has first-hand experience of the scourge on society.

He was sent abuse following Latics' Championship clash at Bristol City last April, which resulted in the perpetrator being convicted of sending a grossly offensive racist remark via a public communications network, and sentenced to 200 hours of community service.

And Wigan's player of the season from 2017-18 says now is the time to draw a line in the sand.

"We all need to tackle racism head on," he added.

"It's not just about posting on social media.

"It's about going to the highest form possible.

"We've seen the protests everywhere at the moment, but more is needed.

"Everyone needs to talk about it, not just the odd tweet or retweet.

"We all need to speak about it, and just be open and be honest about it."