Premier League Clubs To Stop Taking A Knee Against Racism Before All Matches

Following discussions between the Premier League and the captains of all league’s 20 clubs, players will no longer kneel before the majority of games from the next season.

After the murder of George Floyd in the United States in May 2020, the kneeling gesture was adopted.

However, the captains suggested that the gesture’s effectiveness has diminished after two seasons of regular use on the field.

The players feel that saving the gesture for important games, will have a greater impact on the struggle for equality.

Players will take a knee before this weekend’s first round of games, the No Room for Racism matches in October and March, the Boxing Day games, the season’s final league matches, and the FA Cup and EFL Cup finals.

In a statement, the captains said: “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 eradicating racial prejudice, and to bring about an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunities for all.”

A few players, such as Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace and Ivan Toney of Brentford, had already given up kneeling last season because they believed it had become meaningless. The entire Brentford team soon joined Toney in maintaining his upright position.

Jordan Henderson, the captain of Liverpool, claimed that there was still a perception at Anfield that the knee was sending a clear message.

He said, “For myself and the players at Liverpool, I think we are still in favour of it and that it is still having an impact.”