Premier League players must stop kneeling before every game
Premier League players have decided to stop kneeling as an anti-racism gesture before every game.
The initiative was adopted as a way to support the Black Lives Matter movement, which became prominent after the death of George Floyd in police custody in May 2020 in the United States.
Sections of society criticized the move, suggesting it was politically motivated - England players were even mocked for taking a knee before Euro 2020 last year.
Premier League and club captains have consistently refuted this criticism, saying adamantly that it was simply an anti-racist message.
But some Championship players and clubs began to drop out last year, with Wilfried Zaha suggesting that "it doesn't matter whether we kneel or stand" as abuse continues to target some players.< /p>
Now the Premier League as a collective will look to move away from weekly displays of kneeling, although players will take a knee at the start of some games.
The Premier League's statement reads: "Ahead of the new season, Premier League club captains reaffirmed their commitment to fight racism and all forms of discrimination.
"The players have decided to use specific moments in the upcoming campaign to take a knee, to amplify the message that racism has no place in football or society.
"The Premier League supports the players' decision and, alongside clubs, will use these opportunities to reinforce anti-racism messaging as part of the League's No Room for Racism action plan.
"Players will take the knee in the first round of the season, dedicated No Room for Racism matches in October and March, Boxing Day matches following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Premier League matches in the Season Day Final and the FA Cup and EFL Cup Finals.”
In a joint message, the Premier League captains added: "We have decided to select meaningful moments to kneel during the season to underline our unity against all forms of racism and in doing so , we continue to show solidarity for a common cause.
"We remain strongly committed to eradicating racial prejudice and creating an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunity for all."
Premier League players have decided to stop kneeling as an anti-racism gesture before every game.
The initiative was adopted as a way to support the Black Lives Matter movement, which became prominent after the death of George Floyd in police custody in May 2020 in the United States.
Sections of society criticized the move, suggesting it was politically motivated - England players were even mocked for taking a knee before Euro 2020 last year.
Premier League and club captains have consistently refuted this criticism, saying adamantly that it was simply an anti-racist message.
But some Championship players and clubs began to drop out last year, with Wilfried Zaha suggesting that "it doesn't matter whether we kneel or stand" as abuse continues to target some players.< /p>
Now the Premier League as a collective will look to move away from weekly displays of kneeling, although players will take a knee at the start of some games.
The Premier League's statement reads: "Ahead of the new season, Premier League club captains reaffirmed their commitment to fight racism and all forms of discrimination.
"The players have decided to use specific moments in the upcoming campaign to take a knee, to amplify the message that racism has no place in football or society.
"The Premier League supports the players' decision and, alongside clubs, will use these opportunities to reinforce anti-racism messaging as part of the League's No Room for Racism action plan.
"Players will take the knee in the first round of the season, dedicated No Room for Racism matches in October and March, Boxing Day matches following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Premier League matches in the Season Day Final and the FA Cup and EFL Cup Finals.”
In a joint message, the Premier League captains added: "We have decided to select meaningful moments to kneel during the season to underline our unity against all forms of racism and in doing so , we continue to show solidarity for a common cause.
"We remain strongly committed to eradicating racial prejudice and creating an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunity for all."
What's Your Reaction?
