Premier League Players Divided on 'Taking the Knee' Gesture

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has addressed striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin's decision to stand rather than take the knee ahead of the team's 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Farke stated that Calvert-Lewin showed respect for the Premier League's 'No Room for Racism' campaign by remaining standing, emphasizing that individuals express their support in different ways.

Calvert-Lewin was among several Premier League players who opted against the gesture this weekend. Others included Everton's Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Ipswich Town's Issa Diop, Manchester City's Marc Guehi, and Bournemouth's Rayan and Tyler Adams. The vast majority of players across the league participated in the pre-match ritual.

"Dom is more or less like, 'No, I don't go down. I show my respect by standing up.' Every individual is different and shows respect for this campaign in a different way," Farke explained after the match. He also commended the campaign, noting that diverse dressing rooms, where individuals of different backgrounds coexist and work towards a common goal, exemplify how society should function.

The Premier League has designated specific match rounds this month for players to take the knee as part of its ongoing efforts to combat discrimination. However, the gesture has faced varied reactions, with some sections of crowds booing players during the act. This has led to discussions about its perceived impact.

This is not the first instance of players opting out of the gesture. Calvert-Lewin himself previously did not take the knee during a match against Burnley. Former player Wilfried Zaha has articulated his objection, describing the act as degrading and advocating for standing tall with pride in one's identity. Marcos Alonso, during his time at Chelsea, chose to point to the 'No Room For Racism' badge on his kit instead of kneeling.

In the 2021-22 season, Luton Town players collectively stood in the center circle rather than take the knee. The league's policy on the gesture evolved in August 2022, shifting from its pre-match occurrence in every game to specific rounds aligned with the 'No Room For Racism' initiative. Premier League captains had agreed to continue the gesture twice per season.

Concerns about the gesture's reception were voiced by Burnley captain Ben Mee in 2021, who noted that booing undermines the players' anti-racism message and urged for support from the football community.

Players and staff have the opportunity to perform the gesture during the current two-week period in October. The Premier League continues to stress its commitment to fighting discrimination and promoting diversity within football. The 'taking the knee' movement gained prominence in the UK in 2020 following the death of George Floyd in the United States.

Last year, the Lionesses, the England women's national football team, opted not to kneel before their Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy, following racist abuse directed at defender Jess Carter. Captain Lucy Bronze suggested that the anti-racism message might not be as impactful as it once was, citing the continued instances of abuse faced by players. She expressed a collective feeling among the team that more needs to be done both within football and society.

However, Piara Powar, head of the football's international anti-discrimination body Fare, questioned the Lionesses' decision, stating that taking the knee is a powerful anti-racist act and that the team had shown leadership in continuing it for an extended period. He emphasized the need for continued powerful actions to address ongoing issues.

Marc Guehi also drew attention in 2024 when, as Crystal Palace captain, he wrote personal messages on his captain's armband, which was intended to promote LGBTQ rights. He received a formal reprimand for this action but subsequently wore an armband with a similar personal message in a later game.