English football unites to support players taking the knee in the 2021-22 season

The Football Association and the rest of English football have united and vowed to support players who decide to take the knee ahead of matches this season.

Since last June, many teams have chosen to take the knee to show their support in the fight against racism and discrimination.

England players and staff performed the gesture during Euro 2020, while the Premier League confirmed on Tuesday players will continue to do so this season.

The FA, Premier League, English Football League, FA Women’s Super League, FA Women’s Championship, PFA, LMA, FSA, PGMOL and Kick it Out have now vowed to support all players, managers and individuals who wish to take the knee ahead of matches this season.

They have asked that fans “respect any player that wishes to take the knee and support them in their stance against discrimination”.

Players and officials in each competition will continue to wear dedicated campaign sleeve badges for the 2021-22 season which acts as a constant reminder of the commitment made by authorities, clubs and players to combat racism and discrimination.

This includes ‘No Room For Racism’ in the Premier League, ‘Not Today or Any Day’ in the EFL and continued support for Kick It Out’s ‘Take A Stand’ initiative across the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and the FA Women’s Championship.

Mark Bullingham, FA CEO said: “We stand firmly against all forms of prejudice, so a key pillar of our strategy is to use our influence to deliver a game free from discrimination.

“We are striving to ensure that football at all levels is a safe environment for all, embracing diversity and inclusion, whilst challenging hateful conduct both on and off the pitch.

“We are very clear on what this symbolic gesture originally stood for 200 years ago and what it continues to stand for today, and that is a fight against injustice, inequality and discrimination.

“We will support any players who wish to take a stand against racism and discrimination by taking a knee. They have our unequivocal support.”

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