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James outside wearing an MS Society t-shirt

Football, division and MS

James from Cambridgeshire

On Monday I was filled with a mixture of pride and anger. The same as any other England fan, I am sure.

Football and social conscience

Pride because a very young England team nearly won a trophy for the first time in 55 years.

Pride because I wore a St George for the first time in a while without feeling like I was part of an EDL march.

Pride because the country united behind an England team who have shown both footballing skill and social conscience.

But largely I am really angry. Angry at the scenes seen before, during and after Sunday's game.

MS and empathy

MS has taught me to empathise with those around me. To understand what people have going on in their lives that mean they act the way that they do.

On Monday I ran out of empathy.

Smashing up the streets. Fighting anything that moves. Racially abusing others. There is no justifying any of it.

Our society is divided

Then again, I am not surprised. Brexit has divided us. Racism is rearing its ugly head through the ease of anonymity on social media.

Media outlets depress or tell us this is the best we can expect out of life.

MS made me feel divided from my old self

What is the relevance with these ramblings and my life with MS?

1. Since diagnosis, I have felt completely divided. From my old self. From 'normality'.

2. Why are people allowed to go around happily displaying the worst in humanity when so many rich souls are burdened with terrible illnesses?

This lack of justice completely crushes my spirit. Perhaps if we continue to act like idiots, we will never deserve for football to come home!

United we're stronger

Yet, there is hope.

Watching communities unite behind those players who have been the subject of racist abuse over the past few days has been truly uplifting.

It has strengthened my resolve to continue to speak up about social injustice and fight my MS with every part of my being.

United, we are stronger.

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This blog was originally published as a post on James's Instagram.