Premier League players will stop the pre-match anti-racism gesture of taking the knee before every match this season.
Clubs have performed the anti-racism gesture since Project Restart in 2020, as a show of racial solidarity during the Black Lives Matter movement following the brutal death of George Floyd in the USA.
However, over the course of last season, a number of players decided to stop taking the knee before games. Speaking on his decision to do so, Wilfried Zaha said he believed the protest had lost its impact.
The gesture has been discussed by all clubs and Premier League captains over the past two weeks, and they have now 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.
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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.
“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,” a statement from the Premier League captain read.
“We remain resolutely committed to eradicate racial prejudice, and to bring about an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunities for all.”
A Premier League statement 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.”
Up to £238,000 will also be donated to designated youth clubs on behalf of the captains following money raised from the ‘No Room For Racism’ sleeve badges sold on club shirts last season, with the Premier League matching the figure.
Bristol City and Swansea both announced on the eve of the EFL season that they would no longer take the knee as they felt the act had been diluted.
The EFL continues to support any player who takes the knee before the game, but also back those who have chosen not to and will fight discrimination in other ways.
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