Brian McDermott has refused to criticise Jason Roberts's decision to ditch the 'Kick It Out' T-shirt during Reading's warm-up for their 1-0 defeat at Liverpool this afternoon.
Several black players opted not to wear the traditional pre-kickoff attire in protest against what they see as a lack of suitable action by the group.
Roberts was particularly vocal in giving his support to Danny Rose, who was sent off on England Under-21 duty this week after responding to racial slurs from the Serbian crowd by kicking the ball in their direction.
While Sir Alex Ferguson has slammed Rio Ferdinand's decision not to wear the T-shirt prior to Manchester United's match with Stoke City, McDermott has refused to do so with his own player.
He said: "Jason had his view and it was very strong view. We spoke on Friday and I totally respect his view.
"It was important for him to do what he did today. I 100% back him."
Meanwhile, the result at Anfield leaves Reading in the Premier League relegation zone after seven fixtures.
Joe Fish
