PREMIER LEAGUE football is back in full flow but fans may notice that one particular pre-match ritual hasn’t returned.
Since midway through 2020, Premier League players have been taking the knee before games to show solidarity against racism and other forms of discrimination.
On the first weekend of the 2022/23 season, the players continued to take the knee before kick-off.
But in a move announced by the Premier League, the pre-match gesture will be scrapped for the majority of the rest of the season, and used only for specific moments.
This weekend will be the first in over two years that the gesture won’t be carried out by players.
Why aren’t players taking the knee this season?
A Premier League statement read: “Ahead of the new season, Premier League club captains have reaffirmed their commitment to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination.
“The players have decided to use specific moments during the upcoming campaign to take the knee, to amplify the message that racism has no place in football or society.
“The Premier League supports the players’ decision and, alongside the clubs, will use these opportunities to elevate anti-racism messaging as part of the League’s No Room for Racism Action Plan.”
Has taking the knee been scrapped?
Not entirely.
Taking of the knee will still be used for specific significant moments throughout the season, but not every week.
These include the first game of the season, the last game of the season, the Boxing Day round of fixtures and No Room For Racism weekends.
And in a collective statement, the 20 Premier League captains suggested that taking of the knee would be used for significant moments throughout the upcoming season.
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“We remain resolutely committed to eradicate racial prejudice, and to bring about an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunities for all,” they said.
The taking of the knee will still occur before the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals.
Boxing Day will also see the gesture carried out.
It was also announced that the Premier League would be donating £238,000 to youth clubs on behalf of the 20 captains, with half of that amount coming from the revenue earned from the ‘No Room for Racism’ sleeve badges.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
