Premier League to bring back taking knee for next two matchdays

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Premier League players will take the knee for the next two rounds of fixtures and on four other occasions, the league has confirmed. The anti-racism stance was previously performed before every game but that was stopped at the end of the season, with a plan in place to instead allow players to take the knee on specific occasions. 

A statement released by the Premier League has confirmed that players will take the knee in all 20 matches between October 8-16. Stars will also perform the act over the Boxing Day round of matches – the first to take place after the 2022 World Cup -, on the final day of the season and at the two domestic cup finals. 

October is the dedicated period for Black History Month, and players will mark it by taking the knee. It is seen as a clear stance against racism. 

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “Fighting racism and all forms of discrimination is always a priority for the Premier League and our clubs. We urge everybody to play their part and demonstrate that racial prejudice is not acceptable in football or wider society.

“We support the decision made by players to take the knee at specific moments during the season and we will use these matches to further promote anti-discrimination and educate fans.

“We continue to work hard to address discrimination and improve opportunities within the game, in line with our No Room For Racism Action Plan.  

“We know more can be done to remove barriers to make football more inclusive, and that football will benefit from greater diversity across all areas of the sport.”

Chair of the Premier League’s Black Participants’ Advisory Group (BPAG) Darren Moore added: “In my time as Chair of BPAG, I have seen a lot of significant changes and progress in tackling discrimination and creating more opportunities across the game.

“I think it is fantastic players are continuing to take the knee to show a united front against racism. The BPAG fully supports the players as they take the knee at selected matches to continue to send this powerful message.

“I am proud of the work being done to increase the number of coaches from underrepresented groups going into full-time professional roles.

“The coaching initiatives are excellent and well received by candidates. There has been really good work in opening doors and creating pathways – the challenge now is to ensure we continue to work together to maintain progress and enhance these opportunities for even more coaches. We already have a brilliant game and bringing more diversity into all areas of football will only continue to make it even better.”

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