Wilfried Zaha: the first Premier League player to stop taking the knee

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has become the first player in the

to quit taking the knee before starting the game, with the 28-year-old believing that this action has lost its purpose.

The sports community's leading figures have been unveiling shows of resistance against prejudice and racism of any sort since the competitive tournaments resumed on the rear of a Covid widespread. 

Many are still fighting for that cause, and Zaha remains completely dedicated to the battle; however, online maltreatments are still in a strong position, and there have been ideas that a new method is required to face such a problem. 

During his injury, the Ivory Coast international said that he planned to remain on his feet when a knee was taken in his first match after recovery.

A statement from Zaha explaining his actions read:

"My decision to stand at kick-off has been public knowledge for a couple of weeks.

"There is no right or wrong decision, but I feel kneeling has just become a part of the pre-match routine and whether we kneel or stand, some of us continue to receive abuse..

"I know there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes at the Premier League and other authorities to make change, and I fully respect that, and everyone involved.

"I also fully respect my team-mates and players at other clubs who continue to take the knee.

"As a society, I feel we should be encouraging better education in schools, and social media companies should be taking stronger action against people who abuse others online - not just footballers."

Zaha isn't the first to quit taking the knee in English football, with comparable inquiries being posed by others within the league. 

teams

Brentford

and

Bournemouth

announced in February that they won't be partaking in a pre-match routine that has gotten typical and ineffective.

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