MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 08:39:26| >> :600:106170546:106170546:

EFL reaffirms support for players taking the knee in upcoming season

EFL reaffirms support for players taking the knee in upcoming season
© Reuters
A statement said "where players choose to take the knee to oppose discrimination, they have support from the League".

The English Football League has reaffirmed its support to players and staff who wish to take the knee during the forthcoming season.

For over a year, players have made a personal choice to perform the act of protest in a bid to bring attention to racial injustice and inequality.

Ahead of the weekend's opening round of EFL fixtures, the governing body has issued a statement insisting "where players choose to take the knee to oppose discrimination, they have support from the League".

The EFL also revealed that throughout the 2021-22 campaign it 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 the game or in communities. New sleeve badges have also been issued to be worn by players' and officials' kits.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: "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."

ID:457925:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3125:
Written by
P A

Click here for more stories about Trevor Birch

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
England's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring against Romania on June 6, 2021
Read Next:
Marcus Rashford mural messages featured on virtual 'Wall of Hope'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
Read more about Trevor Birch Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!