Why are Premier League clubs still taking the knee?
- Published
Premier League clubs are set to take the knee at the weekend for the first time this season as part of the No Room For Racism initiative.
Players and staff will perform the pre-match anti-racism gesture for the next two gameweeks in October to "reiterate the commitment to tackling discrimination and highlight the importance of diversity in football".
The decision to take the knee was made by club captains as part of October's No Room For Racism fixtures, which fall during Black History Month in the UK.
The practice started in the UK in 2020 to support the Black Lives Matter movement following the death in US police custody of George Floyd.
But in August 2022, the Premier League stopped taking the knee before every match following consultations with players. Instead the decision was made to limit the anti-racism gesture to No Room for Racism match rounds.
Premier League players took the knee in October and April last season as part of dedicated No Room For Racism rounds
Explaining why the gesture will return this weekend, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "The Premier League and our clubs strongly believe that football is for everyone.
"We remain steadfast in our belief that there is no place for racism in football and wider society. We will continue to support players and others within the game who are subjected to this unacceptable abuse, and will do all we can to ensure action is taken against those responsible.
"I am proud of all the work that underpins No Room For Racism and this will remain a priority for us."
Clubs in the Women's Super League were also invited to take the knee in October as "a symbol of solidarity against racism and discrimination".
England players performed the anti-racism gesture during Euro 2025, but they stopped in the semi-final and final after defender Jess Carter was subjected to racist abuse online during the tournament.
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo also reported being racially abused during the opening match of the Premier League season at Anfield.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
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