To kneel or not to kneel? Premier League teams limit gesture against racism

After the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in May 2020, a worldwide wave of demonstrations under the banner of “Black Lives Matter” was launched. This spilled over into sport and the kneeling gesture became a routine at English Premier League matches. Now, however, there is a change.

It has been agreed by the captains of the Premier League teams, after discussion with the players. They will only kneel before certain important matches.

This includes the first round of the season, matches that feature the “No Room For Racism” campaign, the final round of the season and the cup final. At the same time, players will also kneel during Christmas matches, known as Boxing Day.

“We have decided to choose important moments to kneel during the season to highlight our unity against all forms of racism, thus continuing to express our solidarity towards a common cause,” reads a joint statement from the captains.

“We remain fully committed to eradicating racial bias and shaping an inclusive society where everyone is respected and has equal opportunity.”

The gesture was already accompanied by controversy last year, with boos from spectators at times. Moreover, Crystal Palace captain Wilfried Zaha quit in February 2021, expressing doubts about the impact of kneeling.

“Nowadays it doesn’t matter if we kneel or stand, some of us still have to take abuse,” he was heard to say after the game.

Then some Championship teams, such as Derby, Brentford, Bournemouth and Queens Park Rangers, also stopped the gesture. More recently, Bristol City and Swansea have announced the same attitude.

Source: BBC