It appears that state violence against unarmed black men is also an issue across the pond in England. In this instance, it has taken the life of Ex-Aston Villa star Dalian Atkinson.
According to witness accounts, Police arrived at Atkinson’s residence in the early morning hours after someone called to report a man that might hurt himself. Atkinson appeared to be impaired in someway and an altercation with Telford police ensued. Witnesses claim that Atkinson was repeatedly kicked by police and was tased five times even after complying with officers.
Atkinson went into cardiac arrest and died on the way to the hospital at the age of 48.
Here are more details from BBC news:
Police said the weapon was deployed at about 01:30 BST in Telford, Shropshire after officers were called to a report of concern for a man’s safety.
A neighbour described seeing the former Aston Villa star, 48, being Tasered after “stumbling towards” police.
Paula Quinn, who lives in a first-floor flat near the Atkinson property in Trench, said: “They were shouting and kicking so much all I could hear were the boots hitting him.
“And then the officer with the Taser asked the gentleman to put his hands behind his back and did so probably two or three times and reactivated the Taser another four or five times after that. “
The death has been referred to the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
It declined to comment on Ms Quinn’s claims, but said the “the level and type of force used” was one of the elements of its investigation into police contact with Mr Atkinson before his death.
Ms Quinn was the only eyewitness spoken to by the BBC who reported seeing officers kick Mr Atkinson or use the Taser while he was on the ground. She had earlier told the Shropshire Star Mr Atkinson had “seemed a bit, perhaps, inebriated”, adding: “As the Taser hit him in the stomach he just went ‘doof’, down like a lead balloon.”
His nephew, Fabian, said the former footballer was having dialysis treatment for kidney problems: “And obviously that’s inevitably why his heart was weaker.
Atkinson rose to stardom in the early 90’s playing soccer for Aston Villa, and was remembered for an incredible goal against Wimbledon in 93, followed by a Premier league title with Aston Villa the following year. Atkinson scored 22 goals in 73 Premier League appearances with Aston Villa.
Flip the page to see his incredible goal against Wimbledon during the 92-93 season.