The ‘Hand of Hope’ moment after Bukayo Saka’s England penalty miss that led to vile abuse has been immortalised in artwork and is being flogged to fight racism in sport.
A series of powerful paintings are now going under the hammer, inspired by one viral image taken after the Arsenal star’s miss.
One picture of the 25-year-old winger being consoled by Omar Meziane – England’s former Head Performance Chef following the Three Lions Euros final loss has now inspired art.
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The image shows Meziane placing his hand on Saka’s shoulder whilst watching Italy celebrate their trophy win at Wembley in 2021.
A group made up of some of the world’s leading artists has now created a collection of 39 powerful images inspired by that moment.
The artwork is set to be auctioned to fight against racism in sport and fund a project aimed at giving the youth, no matter their background, the chance to explore their passion for art.
Bidding is set to close on 25 Oct, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The ‘Hand of Hope’ project has partnered with Hampstead School to raise £20,000.
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Budget cuts now reportedly deny art education to more than 90% of state school students, whilst those who do have it have basic paint and paper strictly rationed.
For homeless, refugee and destitute children, this barrier to art is even higher.
BUDDS Auctions are hosting the sale of the ‘Hand of Hope’ artwork, which includes Saka alongside stars such as Thierry Henry, LeBron James and Tiger Woods.
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Omar, now Head Performance Chef at Nottingham Forest, said: “To see him sat alone, distraught, was heartbreaking.
“It was a reflex action; he turned round, his eyes were dead, no words.
“That moment of utter despair was hard enough for him, but worse was to come.
“I don’t think anyone not in football could understand the weight of expectation on that lad.
“But he has not allowed that moment to define him.”
Last season Bukayo Saka won the Premier League with his boyhood club as Arsenal pipped Manchester City to the title.
Despite not featuring much at the World Cup due to fitness, Saka bagged a hat-trick against France in the 3rd-place playoff at the 2026 USA tournament in the summer.
Omar said: “His courage and strength of mind have been extraordinary. Scoring a World Cup hat-trick, with the last goal a penalty, was the icing.
“I didn’t know the image existed until I got a stream of texts and calls from all round the world.
“It’s a beautiful piece of art and a fitting tribute to Bukayo. I’m honoured to be part of it.”
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