Instead, the captains of the league’s 20 clubs agreed to use specific moments during the campaign to kneel “to reinforce 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, together with the clubs, will use these opportunities to upgrade anti-racism messaging as part of the League’s No Room for Racism Action Plan.” Players will kneel during this weekend’s season openers, exclusive No Room for Racism matches in October and March, Boxing Day matches after the World Cup, the final day of the season and FA Cup finals and EFL. The Premier League chiefs said in a statement: “We have decided to choose important moments to kneel during the season to emphasize our unity against all forms of racism and in this way we continue to show solidarity for a common cause . “We remain resolutely committed to eliminating racial prejudice and creating an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunity for all.” Players and staff at Premier League clubs began taking a knee before kick-off at matches in June 2020 to show their support for the race equality movement.
More on racism in football
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 2:24 A study found that 68% of footballers were abused at least once on Twitter The decision was supported by the Premier League, with players and match officials wearing ‘No Room For Racism’ badges on their shirts. Maheta Molango, chief executive of the PFA, said: “We have always been clear that the choice of whether to take a knee should be a personal decision for each individual. “We’ve talked to players about it and what we’ve heard is that they want to find a balance. They don’t want the gesture of taking a knee to become routine so that it potentially loses its impact. “However, they are also committed to using their platform and voice to continue to draw attention to what remains a hugely important issue, not just in England but around the world.” Read more on Sky News: Study finds denial of structural racism linked to anti-black prejudice Racism against my mum ‘brought fire to my stomach’, footballer says Clubs began making the gesture in support of the Black Lives Matter movement after the death of George Floyd in the US in May 2020. It was inspired by NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the US national anthem in protest against racism. A total of £238,000 will be given to youth clubs on behalf of club captains after £119,000 was raised from the rights to badges sold on club shirts last season, with the Premier League matching the amount.
