Premier League players will continue taking a knee during next season
Premier League players are going to continue taking a knee before games during the next season with the support of the Premier League and the English Football League.
players and staff from all 20 clubs have been taking a knee before every game since June 2020 in order to show their support for the movement for racial equality and their opposition to racism.
They have the intention of doing it during the next season with support from the Premier League.
The Premier League players said in a statement:
"We feel now, more than ever, it is important for us to continue to take the knee as a symbol of our unity against all forms of racism.
"We remain resolutely committed to our singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for all."
Although sections of fans booed England players when they took the knee in pre-Euro 2020 friendlies, they did not stop and continued making the gesture throughout their run to the final.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said:
"The Premier League, our clubs, players, and match officials have a long-standing commitment to tackling racism and all forms of discrimination.
"Following our club captains' meeting, that collective commitment was reaffirmed and the Premier League will continue to support the players' strong voice on this important issue.
"Racism in any form is unacceptable and No Room For Racism makes our zero-tolerance stance clear. The Premier League will continue to work with our clubs, players, and football partners to bring about tangible change to remove inequality from our game."
However, some players have stopped taking a knee. Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha was the first Premier League player who decided to not take a knee before the games last season as he believed that the act is “degrading”.
Brentford, who are going to open the new Premier League season against Arsenal on August 13, also have stopped taking a knee last season as they also believe that the gesture does not have the required impact anymore.
Next season will be the first season since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic that full crowds have been allowed inside stadiums.
The English Football League has also pledged its support to any player or staff member who wants to take a knee before games this season.
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