Gary Neville has condemned the decision to stop taking the knee ahead of the new Premier League season with the gesture set to be performed sporadically.
It was introduced in the summer of 2020, once football returned after the pandemic, to highlight racial injustice following the death of George Floyd in America. Players have continued to kneel before matches for the last two seasons, which has largely been backed by those within the game.
Going forward players will take a knee before certain rounds of matches, including the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals, as well as Boxing Day matches and the Premier League's No Room For Racism rounds. Neville, though, feels that it should've continued on a weekly basis.
He said on social media: "Not sure how I feel about this at all. It was the most public demonstration to young people in this country that their heroes were fighting inequality. It’s something my 12 and 13 year old would comment on/notice before each game. Back to wearing t-shirts once a season it is then!"
Taking the knee has divided opinion among some. England players did so during and in the lead up to Euro 2020, which saw them clash with the UK Government, who initially refused to condemn those who booed the gesture. Other players have also claimed it is no longer making a difference.
Wilfried Zaha chose to stand as he continued to receive racial abuse whilst Les Ferdinand, director of football at QPR, said previously: “The taking of the knee has reached a point of ‘good PR’ but little more than that. The message has been lost. It is now not dissimilar to a fancy hashtag or a nice pin badge."
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In a statement, the Premier League said regarding the decision: "Ahead of the new season, Premier League club captains have reaffirmed their commitment to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination. The players have decided to use specific moments during the upcoming campaign to take the knee, to amplify the message that racism has no place in football or society.
"The Premier League supports the players' decision and, alongside the clubs, will use these opportunities to elevate anti-racism messaging as part of the League's No Room for Racism Action Plan."
The 20 Premier League captains also claimed in a collective statement that they would use "significant moments" to take the knee going forward. They said: "We remain resolutely committed to eradicate racial prejudice, and to bring about an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunities for all."
