BRENTORD’S players refused to take the knee before today’s clash with Barnsley.
The Bees squad issued a statement on Saturday night reinforcing their commitment to eradicating racism and discrimination, but explained they believe the gesture is ‘no longer having an impact’.
Brentford’s players did not take the knee prior to their clash with BarnsleyCredit: Rex Features
Josh Dasilva raises his right fist as Brentford players decided not to take a kneeCredit: Rex Features
And they lived up to that announcement as their stars remained stood while Barnsley’s players did continue to take the knee prior to kick off.
The decision to ditch the gesture, which began in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, comes just days after Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha said it was ‘degrading’ for black players to have to take the knee to ‘show that we matter’.
The Brentford players’ statement read: “We have been taking a knee before games since June but, like many of our fellow players at other clubs, no longer believe that this is having an impact.
“We believe we can use our time and energies to promote racial equality in other ways.
“As a group we are fully behind and proud of Brentford’s desire to become the most inclusive club in the country and the drive towards equality under the #BeeTogether banner.
“We have experienced racist abuse first hand and have also seen some appalling comments made to other players past and present.
“There is a clear need to continue to push for an end to all discrimination and, as players, we will be part of that at Brentford FC, in football in general and in the wider community.
“Racism is the opposite of what we stand for.
“As players we will show our commitment to togetherness and racial equality on and off the pitch between now and the end of the season, and beyond.
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The movement was started by American footballer Colin KaepernickCredit: AP:Associated Press
What is ‘taking a knee’, and how did it start?
Taking the knee began as a protest against the unfair treatment of black Americans.
“We will also support our colleagues at other clubs that still want to take a knee before games.”
Speaking last week, Zaha said: “The whole kneeling down? Why must I kneel down for you to show that we matter?
“Why must I even wear Black Lives Matter on the back of my top to show you that we matter? This is all degrading stuff.”
Football stars began taking a knee before the start of games following the coronavirus break.
The action was seen as an act of solidarity with George Floyd, an unarmed black man whose death during an altercation with police shook the world.
All 20 top flight clubs also wore a BLM badge on their shirts.
The movement started during the American football pre-season in 2016 when the San Francisco 49ers’ black quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat instead of stood during the national anthem.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
