The Premier League has announced that players will no longer routinely take a knee before matches in the coming season.
During Project Restart, players began taking the knee in response to George Floyd’s unlawful killing in the United States and the subsequent Black Lives Matter movement.
More recently, a number of individual clubs and players have announced that they will no longer take a knee, and now, more than two years after the initiative was first introduced, the Premier League has followed suit.
“Ahead of the new season, Premier League club captains have reaffirmed their commitment to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination,” the Premier League said in a statement.
“The players have decided to take the knee at specific points during the upcoming season to emphasize that racism has no place in football or society.”
“As part of the Premier League’s No Room for Racism Action Plan, the Premier League will use these opportunities to elevate anti-racism messaging alongside the clubs.”
The 20 Premier League captains added that they would take the knee at “significant moments” during the upcoming season.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicating racial prejudice and achieving an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunities for all,” they added.
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