Premier League players will no longer take the knee before every game this season.
Gatekeepers News reports that the captains of the league’s 20 clubs have rather agreed to use specific moments during the campaign to take the knee “to amplify the message that racism has no place in football or society”.
In a statement, the league said, “The Premier League supports the players’ decision and, alongside the clubs, will use these opportunities to elevate anti-racism messaging as part of the League’s No Room for Racism Action Plan.”
The anti-racism gesture will only take place during this weekend’s opening games of the season, at dedicated No Room for Racism matches in October and March, Boxing Day fixtures after the World Cup has finished, the last day of the season, and the FA and EFL cup finals.
The Premier League captains said in a statement, “We have decided to select significant moments to take the knee during the season to highlight our unity against all forms of racism and in so doing we continue to show solidarity for a common cause.
“We remain resolutely committed to eradicate racial prejudice, and to bring about an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunities for all.”
Players and staff at Premier League clubs began taking the knee before kick-off in games in June 2020 to show their support for the movement for racial equality.
The decision was backed by the English League, with players and match officials wearing ‘No Room For Racism’ badges on their shirts.
Maheta Molango, PFA chief executive, said, “We’ve always been clear that choosing whether to take the knee should be a personal decision for each individual.
“We’ve spoken to players about this and what we’ve heard is that they want to find a balance. They don’t want the gesture of taking the knee to become routine so that it potentially loses its impact.
“However, they are also committed to using their platform and their voice to continue to bring attention to what remains an extremely important issue, not just in England but around the world.”
