Premier League Backs Players On Knees Ahead Of Game And Wears 'no Room For Racism' Badge

Illustration (Instagram @paulpogba)

JAKARTA - Players from 20 Premier League clubs will continue to kneel ahead of this season's games in opposition to racist behaviour, the Premier League said on Tuesday.

The Premier League said it "wholeheartedly supports" the decision and added players and match officials would continue to wear the "No Room For Racism" badge on their jerseys.

Players and staff have been kneeling before kickoff since the league restarted in June last year to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

"We now feel more than ever it is important that we continue to bow our knees as a symbol of our unity against all forms of racism," the players said in a statement.

"We remain committed to our single goal of eradicating racial behavior everywhere in order to create a global society that is inclusive, respectful and provides equal opportunities for all."

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said he would continue to collaborate with football's players, clubs and partners to bring about "real change" and eliminate inequality in the sport.

Earlier on Tuesday, the English Football League (EFL) said it supports any players and staff who wish to kneel during the 2021-2022 season.

"For over a year, players have made the personal choice to carry out this simple act of protest...helping to highlight this issue in society and continue the conversation that has been heard around the world," the EFL said in a statement.

The EFL will also promote a new matchday message "Together Against Discrimination" which will see clubs across England's three divisions adopt a unified position reaffirming that racism, discrimination and harassment should not occur in the world of football.

The Championship, League One and League Two will all kick off this weekend, while the Premier League kicks off 13 August with newly promoted Brentford hosting Arsenal.