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Football

03rd Aug 2021

All 20 Premier League clubs to continue taking the knee this season

Charlie Herbert

The decision is “wholeheartedly supported” by the league.

Players from all 20 Premier League clubs will continue to take the knee before matches this season to highlight their opposition to racism and racial inequality.

Players and staff have been taking the knee before kick-off in games since June 2020 to show their support for racial equality and to stand up to racism and racist abuse.

However since fans have returned to stadiums, some have booed the gesture, particularly throughout the European Championships this summer.

A statement released by the league says: “Players from all 20 Premier League clubs will continue to take the knee ahead of matches this season to highlight their opposition to racism.

“The decision to do so is wholeheartedly supported by the Premier League.

“Players and match officials will also continue to wear a No Room For Racism sleeve badge on their shirts. This acts as a constant reminder of the commitment by the Premier League, its clubs, players and the referees’ body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) to eradicate racism.”

A statement from the players reads: “We feel now, more than ever, it is important for us to continue to take the knee as a symbol of our unity against all forms of racism.

“We remain resolutely committed to our singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect and equal opportunities for all.”

Related links:

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Boris Johnson denies defending those who boo England players taking a knee

Tyrone Mings calls out Priti Patel for calling taking knee ‘gesture politics’

Meanwhile, Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said that the league will “continue to support the players’ strong voice on this important issue.”

He added: “Racism in any form is unacceptable and No Room For Racism makes our zero-tolerance stance clear. The Premier League will continue to work with our clubs, players and football partners to bring about tangible change to remove inequality from our game.”

In February this year, Brentford announced that they would stop taking the knee before games. However, it seems that they will be performing the gesture in their first season in England’s top division.