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Premier League to support players who take a knee


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The Premier League will support players who wish to take a knee as a mark of respect to the Black Lives Matter movement. 

The gesture has become common in the Bundesliga in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Borussia Monchengladbach player Marcus Thuram was the first to take a knee in Germany following the return of football.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho revealed a t-shirt demanding justice for the family of George Floyd when he scored against Paderborn.

Sporting organisations like the NFL and the International Olympic Committee have begun softening their previous objections to players taking a knee.

Five days out from the Premier League's return, the gesture has been backed by the league's stakeholders.

Players will have their names replaced with the words 'Black Lives Matter' on the backs of their jersey for the first 12 games upon the Premier League's return.

Players from all 20 clubs released the following brief statement:

"We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their colour or creed. This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether."

A Black Lives Matter logo will also feature on shirts for the remainder of the season, along with a badge thanking the NHS for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.

Premier League champions-elect Liverpool led the slew of sides taking a knee in training on social media on June 1.

The Premier League said on Friday evening, "The Premier League stands alongside players, clubs, The FA, EFL, PFA, LMA, PGMOL and all those who oppose discrimination in any form.

"The League supports the players’ wish to have their names replaced by Black Lives Matter on the back of their shirts for the first 12 matches of the restarted 2019/20 season.

"A Black Lives Matter logo will also feature on shirts for the remainder of the season, along with a badge thanking the NHS for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.

"In addition, the League will support players who "take a knee" before or during matches.

"The Premier League believes there is no room for racism, anywhere #NoRoomForRacism."


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