PREM chiefs will NOT ditch the Black Lives Matter badge on club shirts – despite a growing backlash against the aims of the movement.
A player-led call for an official response to the death of unarmed George Floyd in the USA saw players “take a knee” at kick-off when the Prem resumed after the coronavirus lockdown.
Premier League players have the Black Lives Matter badges on their shirtsCredit: AFP
Premier League chiefs say BLM support is for racial justice and not a political stanceCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
The names of players was replaced by “Black Lives Matter” for the opening 12 games while all shirts have been adorned by a BLM badge designed by Watford ace Troy Deeney and his partner.
But in recent days the movement has attracted controversy and led to questions for Prem chief executive Richard Masters.
BLM leaders have posted their beliefs in defunding the police, overthrowing capitalism and “targeted sanctions in line with international law against Israel’s colonial, apartheid regime”.
Sky Sports pundits Patrice Evra and Jamie Redknapp ditched their BLM badges during yesterday’s coverage of Manchester United’s win at Brighton, after the logo had been worn by all presenters since the restart.
A spokesperson for Sky Sports told The Sun Online: “Sky’s support is for the moral cause and campaign, that black lives matter, rather than for any political organisation.
“Our presenters and analysts on-screen are free to make their own choice as to whether they wear supportive badges or not.”
Redknapp did not wear a BLM badge during his appearance on Sky Sports last nightCredit: Sky Sports
Patrice Evra also ditched the badge on Sky’s coverage
Matt Le Tissier pictured wearing the Black Lives Matter badge on the show
BLM UK tweeted about Israel and Palestine on Sunday
These tweets from BLM UK caused controversy
BLM UK said they ‘stand in solidarity with Palestinians’
Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier questioned whether he would continue wearing the badge after criticising the movement’s “far-left” calls to defund the police.
But the 51-year-old decided to keep the pin on to fight racism.
He told MailOnline: “I just don’t agree with some of the points of that movement – specifically the defunding of the police and the anti capitalist points are things I do not agree with.
“They are the two main points for me. I am quite happy for them to have their point of view, but that is mine and that is where I sit.
“I think a lot of people in the country would agree with me.
“I will still wear the badge because I do of course believe black lives matter. It’s a simple thing.
“I agree with the cause but there are parts of the organisation that I just cannot support.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer spoke out on BBC Breakfast
BLM called Sir Keir Starmer a ‘cop in an expensive suit’
PREMIER LEAGUE STATEMENT
The Premier League stands alongside players, clubs, The FA, EFL, PFA, LMA, PGMOL and all those who have come together in recent weeks to reject racism and to show support for the message that black lives matter. These three words have become an expression of unity for people from all communities who believe it is unacceptable to treat black people differently to anyone else.
In an unprecedented move, Premier League players from all 20 clubs united in solidarity with this message and the Premier League supported their request to replace their names on the back of playing shirts with ‘Black Lives Matter’.
The Premier League offered this backing as we wholly agree with the players’ single objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists. And we are unequivocal in the belief that there is no room for racism in our competition, football as a whole, or the wider community. Together, all professional football bodies and the players and managers recognise the importance of the message that black lives matter. However, we do not endorse any political organisation or movement, nor support any group that calls for violence or condones illegal activity.
We are aware of the risk posed by groups that seek to hijack popular causes and campaigns to promote their own political views. These actions are entirely unwelcome and are rejected by the Premier League and all other professional football bodies, and they underline the importance of our sport coming together to declare a very clear position against prejudice. We want our message to be a positive one that recognises football has the power to bring people together.
As the players have made clear, we will all continue to work to promote equality of opportunity – regardless of colour or creed – and celebrate the advantages of diversity wherever we can.
The Premier League believes there is no room for racism or any form of discrimination, anywhere #NoRoomforRacism.
It is now being discussed by several players, with a group of captains considering whether to make a public statement, Sportsmail reported.
And SunSport understands the badge will remain on all Premier League shirts until the end of the season.
League bosses believe they have drawn a clear distinction between the cause represented by BLM and the organisation itself.
That came after Masters was put under pressure from MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport select committee. The Prem boss insisted the League had responded to a “unanimous” view of players they wanted to mark both the work done by the NHS during the coronavirus crisis and BLM.
PREM BACKS MOVEMENT
He said: “I think it is perfectly possible to support Black Lives Matter – the sentiment – without being seen to support any political organisation.
“We are an apolitical organisation but I think we are happy to support the players.
“It is the right moment to do it and for the first time I feel that players managers leagues and clubs are on the same page on the issue of discrimination and that feels to me like a positive step.”
League chiefs then issued their statement.
It read: “These three words have become an expression of unity for people from all communities who believe it is unacceptable to treat black people differently to anyone else.
“The Premier League offered this backing as we wholly agree with the players’ single objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists.
Jamie Redknapp and Patrice Evra ditch Back Lives Matter badges on Sky Sports
“We are unequivocal in the belief that there is no room for racism in our competition, football as a whole, or the wider community.
“However, we do not endorse any political organisation or movement, nor support any group that calls for violence or condones illegal activity and are aware of the risk posed by groups that seek to hijack popular causes and campaigns to promote their own political views.
“These actions are entirely unwelcome and are rejected by the Premier League and all other professional football bodies.”
Sky Sports pundit Matt Le Tissier to ‘review’ wearing Black Lives Matter badge on TV
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
