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EFL Reaffirms Support For Taking Knee
Tuesday, 3rd Aug 2021 12:10

The EFL has reaffirmed its support for players and staff wanting to take the knee in protest against racism and inequality in 2021/22, and will be promoting a new matchday message which will see its clubs adopt a unified position on matchdays, reiterating that racism, discrimination and abuse are not welcome.

A statement released ahead of the start of the new season reads: “Ahead of the weekend’s opening round of League fixtures, the EFL is reaffirming its support to any player(s) and staff who wish to take the knee during the 2021/22 season.

“For over a year, players have made the personal choice to perform this simple act of protest against racism and inequality, helping shine a light on these issues in society and continue a conversation that has been heard across the world.

“The impact of football on and off the pitch is unquestionable. We know first-hand how it can change communities and societies for the better.

“And where players choose to take the knee to oppose discrimination, they have support from the League. Players have repeatedly said their protest is not about ideology or political affiliations and we ask that any player that wishes to express themselves in this way are respected.

“Tackling inequality can take many forms and while taking the knee is a powerful act, we equally support others who choose to challenge prejudice in other ways, and the EFL will work with players, Clubs and authorities to combat discrimination in the game.

“Throughout season 2021/22, the EFL will be promoting a new ‘Together Against Discrimination’ matchday message which will see clubs across all three divisions adopting a unified position on a matchday reiterating that racism, discrimination and abuse is not welcome in our game or in our communities.

“These commitments follow the completion of the most in-depth piece of independent research to date on of anti-discrimination activity on football matchdays.

“Commissioned by the EFL, the research consulted players, clubs, fans, the public, plus stakeholders in and out of the game, with greater support for the knee and unified efforts across the game favoured by respondents where possible.

“The Not Today or Any Day brand will continue as a visual presence through the 2021/22 EFL season. All anti-discrimination activity will take place under this brand including ‘Together Against Discrimination’ matchday messaging and other equality, diversity and inclusion campaigns to be activated throughout the season. New sleeve badges have been issued to be worn by players and officials’ kits for all matches.”

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch added: “The EFL takes the issue of tackling racism and discrimination, in all its forms, very seriously, but we must always strive to do more.

“That is why we commissioned an independent research on the issue of anti-discrimination on a matchday to help inform our approach.

“We have heard the message from players who wish to take the knee loud and clear, and they have the EFL’s support.

“Likewise, we support any individuals who take a stand against prejudice in other ways, and we must show respect and support to our clubs and players whichever way they choose.

“Both within the EFL and across the wider game we are committed to working collectively as we are stronger when we all work together against discrimination.

“The message is clear — prejudice and abuse — whether in the street, in the stadium or online has no place in society - and the EFL will not accept it.

“Football is a game with many opinions. But those who do not share our opinion on removing racism and discrimination from our game are not welcome.”


Photo: Contributed



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positivity added 12:24 - Aug 3
good.

anyone who's ignorant enough to still boo should read the statement and educate themselves as to exactly what they're opposing
1

Gcon added 12:45 - Aug 3
Good.

You only have to look at the rubbish the likes of role models such as Rashford and Mings have to put up with to recognise this is a key moment to move the conversation forward and stamp out racism.
5

Europablue added 12:55 - Aug 3
I think most people were hoping that the knee-taking would just go away now that the news cycle has passed. It's the same with a lot of things these days. There is no clear end point where we can stop doing these virtue-signaling gestures. It's just a shame that the efl or kick it out didn't take the lead instead of allowing the organic divisive protest movement.
Everyone would get behind the message of no racial abuse or discrimination, but we can't all be held responsible for the actions of others on the Internet.
-9

positivity added 13:11 - Aug 3
everyone doesn't get behind the message of no racial abuse or discrimination.

that's been shown time and time again.

that's why people still need to come out with these statements and actions
7

bedsitfc added 13:36 - Aug 3
So they will continue to support this division!

Many people myself included will not support the knee as it's synonymous with a political movement that wants to destroy capitalism and defund the police as well as it's views on the Middle East!

Why can't they change the knee to something that's only about inequality and racism that I and many others can back 100%
0

MattinLondon added 13:50 - Aug 3
Thoughts and prayers to those who are offended by this anti-racist gesture. I'm sure your very real concerns will be addressed by Nige at some point today.
1

Taricco_Fan added 14:04 - Aug 3
I support the message but taking the knee is daft and will quickly fade away this season, or at least I hope.

Fire away...
3

Nthsuffolkblue added 14:41 - Aug 3
Glad you know better than Rashford, Saka and Sancho how best to oppose racism, Taricco fan.

I wonder what it is about the gesture that you find so threatening. It has been pointed out time and time again it is not about a political movement or defunding the police. Where are the right of centre political movements doing something to oppose racism that players like Saka, Rashford and Sancho face every day?
5

Tonytown added 14:53 - Aug 3
Bedsitfc, you are Nigel Farage and I claim my £5.
0

Europablue added 14:59 - Aug 3
Nthsuffolkblue Rashford, Saka and Sancho are not exactly wise. They might want to do a little research into the symbolism of taking a knee and see that it is a symbol of subservience. It would be better to keep political gestures out of sport.
Is taking the knee a permanent fixture now? They have made their point, and it's not clear what they have to gain to continue this virtue signalling into the new season.
-1

positivity added 16:11 - Aug 3
europablue, what gives you the right to call the likes of rashford etc not wise?

what gives you the right to proscribe how they can protest?

you think they've made their point, but the fact is that racist abuse (in grounds and on social media continues. there's still work to do
4

Nobbysnuts added 16:32 - Aug 3
Pathetic...I wish this would just go away....I will not be supporting it ever.
-2

bluesteel added 16:35 - Aug 3
just as i support the right of footballers there right of expression, I can't see why fans who object to football being politicized are not allowed to express their view that football isn't the place for politics
2

bluesteel added 16:37 - Aug 3
or is enforced silence with the threat of being labelled a racist the level of freedom nowadays?
5

dukey44 added 17:29 - Aug 3
Absolutely tosh....
-2

Monkey_Blue added 17:44 - Aug 3
Ashamed at how many follow supporters don't support taking a knee. Hoping bigotry and racism will just magically go away is wishful thinking. Maybe we have a section of ignorant fans who lack the ability to empathise with people who are subjected to prejudice just because of skin colour? Anyone thinking the knee is political should be honest about their real objections.
-3

Monkey_Blue added 17:47 - Aug 3
In fact I'm stunned at how many ignorant people are on this site!! 😡😡😡
0

dukey44 added 17:58 - Aug 3
Monkey blue it's personal opinion not ignorance... We can't all agree... Enough said..
-1

Monkey_Blue added 18:21 - Aug 3
duke44… no it's not. How can you ignore reality and claim it's a difference of opinion? Why would a non racist white person object to an anti racist protest even if they thought it was ineffective? Why does it bother you? Makes you feel uncomfortable? What would you do to end racism which given the rise of racist fascists across the globe is making a comeback less welcome than one from Gary Glitter.
0

dukey44 added 18:22 - Aug 3
So why is personal opinion wrong...please explain.. You give me minus as I don't agree with it... Get real...
-2

dukey44 added 18:25 - Aug 3
As you see I certainly don't agree with raking the knee... Thats changing nothing.. If taking the knee works I certainly am not seeing it..?
-1

dukey44 added 18:26 - Aug 3
Taking sorry...
0

Monkey_Blue added 18:26 - Aug 3
Because duke44 it's not opinion that racism exists and is getting worse. It's also not opinion that taking the knee shows solidarity among players and keeps the topic in the public sphere… as is demonstrated here right now. What is your problem with the knee? As I said even if you don't think it's effective in eradicating racism, it doesn't affect you does it? What would you do to end racism? Do you want to end racism?
2

Monkey_Blue added 18:29 - Aug 3
This is like talking to right wing Christian homophobes. If you don't like gay sex or gay marriage don't do it, but why get angry about it?
-2

dukey44 added 18:31 - Aug 3
Racism is absolutely bang out of order that I certainly am not a racist... There's to much politics involved with the knee now... One thing that will never stop is racism... I'm in my 50s and seen sites you would never wish to see because of the colour of people's skin.. Like I have said its my personal opinion taking the knee is a waste of time...
2


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