The controversial gesture stays. All 20 Premier League clubs have decided to continue taking the knee before the matches during the upcoming 2021/22 season, it was revealed today. Players and match officials will also continue to wear a ’No Room For Racism’ sleeve badge on their shirts.This anti-racism display has been ’invented’ by a former American football quarterback Colin Kaepernick, before it became global (England included) as a response to the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in the United States. Since the 2019 season, it has been practiced across all English leagues, before the National team continued to take the knee in every EURO 2020 game, finals included.„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“ says the collective statement from the players.Players from all 20 #PL clubs will continue to take the knee ahead of matches this season to highlight their opposition to racismThe decision to do so is wholeheartedly supported by the Premier League ▶ https://t.co/jiLfKiSNIf#NoRoomForRacism pic.twitter.com/QkdsZiA14V— Premier League (@premierleague) August 3, 2021 During the 2020/21 season, a number of clubs and players decided to stop taking the knee, stating various reasons, from ’not proven effective enough’ (Ivan Toney), and ’becoming ‘degrading’ (Wilfried Zaha), to the ’message had been ‘lost’ (Queens Park Rangers), while part of the football supporters even booed the gesture during the EURO 2020 game. But, since Toney’s club Brentford has been promoted, the Bees have changed their mind and decided to go back to taking the knee in the Premier League.Less Premier League stress – new VAR rules presented to the clubsAs expected, the league fully supports the decision and issued an explanation of its own.„The Premier League, our clubs, players and match officials have a long-standing commitment to tackle 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“ said Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive in a statement.
