Premier League May Drop Pre-Match Knee Gesture in 2025-26 Season
The Premier League is considering ending the pre-match knee gesture, following the England Lionesses who dropped it amid racist abuse toward Jess Carter. Initiated in 2020 after George Floyd’s death, the gesture was limited last season.
The Premier League is considering ending the pre-match knee gesture, following the England Lionesses who dropped it amid racist abuse toward Jess Carter. Initiated in 2020 after George Floyd’s death, the gesture was limited last season. Groups like Fare still support it, noting over one-third of Premier League players are black.
With the start of the new Premier League season approaching, a major discussion has emerged regarding whether clubs should continue the symbolic gesture of taking the knee before matches. This follows the England Lionesses’ decision to stop taking the knee during Euro 2025, a move prompted by the racist abuse faced by defender Jess Carter. The Premier League will consult with club captains in the pre-season meeting before making a final call on the matter.
Premier League teams have taken the knee since June 2020, beginning with Aston Villa vs Sheffield United, as part of the response to the global Black Lives Matter movement following George Floyd’s murder. However, the gesture has gradually been scaled back. Last season, it was limited to opening and closing weekends and fixtures tied to the ‘No Room For Racism’ campaign in October and April.
Anti-racism groups are split over the decision. Kick It Out and the PFA support the Lionesses' choice but appear neutral about continuing the gesture. On the other hand, Fare, an international anti-discrimination group, insists it remains a powerful act, especially significant in the Premier League where over one-third of players are Black. The final decision is expected ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
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