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Racism in football is something that is not latent and is known to all. Over the past few years, footballers have been taking the knee as a protest against racism and injustice. The gesture had become a symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement and was further adopted by Premier League in order to fight against racial discrimination. On the other hand, there are clubs who feel that there should be more education and spread of awareness about racism and stronger measures should to taken to prevent the online abuse.
Premier League decided to make the gesture an official action for this season. “We feel now, more than ever, it is important for us to continue to take the knee as a symbol of our unity against all forms of racism,” read Premier League’s statement.
However, recently Chelsea player Marco Alonso has decided that he’ll no longer be taking the knee ahead of the matches (unlike his teammates) in order to protest against racism.
Alonso feels ‘taking the knee” has lost its original meaning
Chelsea left-back Marco Alonso opened up on why he’ll no longer be taking the knee. “I am fully against racism and I’m against every type of discrimination, and I just prefer to put my finger to the badge where it says no to racism, like they do in some other sports and football in other countries,” he expressed. The Spaniard further cleared that it’s his preference to support the cause this way, and that he is against racism and respects everyone.
Alonso feels that the gesture has become rather performative than anything else, having lost its true meaning. He then expressed that he’ll continue to point at ‘No Room for Racism’ badge on his jersey’s sleeve to support the cause.
"(It’s not political), I just prefer to do it this way. It’s my way to do it, I think it’s another way. And maybe I think it’s losing a bit of strength the other way, so I just prefer to do it this way and to show I am fully supportive of fighting against racism,” he added.