One subject that has divided football supporters across the country over the past couple of years has been the taking of the knee before kick off, whilst most if not all football supporters condone racism, it has been seen by some as counter productive to the cause.

Whilst it cannot be denied that there are some who do not agree with taking the knee for reasons not entirely in tune with the majority of the rest of the country, from my experience most who do not like the gesture do so not out of racist thoughts or feelings, but more from a point of view that they feel that they and indeed anyone should not be forced to do something just because they are told that it is right.

It comes from a sense of having the freedom to make your own decisions rather than having others push their views down your throat, from this perspective to some people taking the knee was a counter productive gesture, it made them against the gesture although they were firmly anti racist.

Now after a meeting of the Premier League captain's who have polled their own squads as to the viewpoint of the players in the squads, a fair percentage of whom are black, it has been decided that the gesture of taking the knee will cease as a part of each individual match.

The Premier League issued the following statement.

Ahead of the new season, Premier League club captains have reaffirmed their commitment to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination.

The players have decided to use specific moments during the upcoming campaign to take the knee, to amplify the message that racism has no place in football or society.

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.

Players will take the knee during the opening match round of the season, dedicated No Room for Racism match rounds in October and March, Boxing Day fixtures following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Premier League matches on the final day of the season and The FA Cup and EFL Cup Finals.

The Premier League 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 eradicate racial prejudice, and to bring about an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunities for all.”

A total of £238,000 will be donated to designated youth clubs on behalf of the Premier League captains after £119,000 was raised from the royalties of the ‘No Room For Racism’ sleeve badges sold on club shirts last season. The Premier League has matched the figure raised from the badges as part of the contribution to those clubs.

Photo: Action Images

codge added 17:05 - Aug 3 Totally agree that it’s a personal action to take a knee or not,but being told what to do is really taking your choice out of your hands and that leads to a slippery slope.
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BESaint added 17:51 - Aug 3 Errr, you write in the first paragraph 'whilst most if not all football supporters condone racism'.... not me! Not most Saints fans I'm sure, I hope!! ??
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Jellybaby added 19:59 - Aug 3 Thank goodness for that! I find racism both disgusting and ridiculous, but the bizarre, semi religious ritual of players taking the knee and the expectation that the spectators should applaud it before every game was tedious, meaningless, patronising and the very worse kind of virtue signalling, this kind of mass formation activity should have no place in the so called free world.

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mattthelegend added 21:03 - Aug 3 About time as well, no doubt to calm things down before they play the World Cup in the free and liberal Qatar. All a bit hypocritical really, if they wanted to make a statement and felt that strongly about the it, they should have refused to play at the World Cup. That would of been a message!!
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saintmark1976 added 23:14 - Aug 3 Nick, It may be a good idea if you clarify and correct the content of your first paragraph. I’m pretty certain that you’ve left out the word “don’t” but it wouldn’t hurt to put the record straight?
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blambo added 05:59 - Aug 4 Funny that this decision was taken in the run-up to the World Cup in Qatar...
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geezershoong1 added 10:20 - Aug 4 Can anyone specify what the knee taking accomplished exactly..?
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