Premier League players agree to stop kneeling in matches
Before the start of the new season in English football, the captains of the 20 teams agreed to stop kneeling before the start of each game.
Two days before the start of the 2022-23 season of the Premier League, it was announced that the captains of the 20 clubs that will participate in this campaign agreed to stop kneeling before each match as a protest against racism, but they remained firm in their commitment to fight against it in order to eradicate it.
For a couple of seasons, before the start of each game, the 22 players on the field of play and the referees kneeled in protest against discrimination and racism in support of the movement Black Lives Matter.
But for the 2022-23 campaign, the modality of protest against such discriminatory acts will change completely, but it will not be left aside in English football. Since after a statement issued by the Premier League, the number of times that players carry out this protocol after a meeting between the team captains will be limited.
“The players will kneel during the opening day of the season, the days dedicated to the fight against racism (No Room for Racism) in October and March, the Boxing Day games, the last day of the Premier League and the finals of the FA Cup and the EFL Cup”, explained the competition.
Similarly, the 20 captains signed a statement in which they highlight their commitment to seek the eradication of said discriminatory acts and reiterate this new protocol that will be carried out only on the dates already mentioned.
Highlighting unity against racism
“We have decided to select significant moments to take a knee during the season to highlight our unity against all forms of racism. And in doing so, we continue to show solidarity for a common cause. We remain firmly committed to eradicating racial prejudice and creating an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunities for all,” the statement read.