TAKING A KNEE: Booing at matches over the weekend

It's a gesture that has caused some disparity amongst football fans around England. A gesture used to send a message of anti-racism and anti-discrimination in the game of football.

With the majority of English football back underway for the new season, and most importantly fans back in the stadiums to support their teams, of course, the gesture of anti-racism is going to face some resistance.

However, the amount of resistance received at grounds around the country of the weekend wasn't a shock but an unwelcome affair.

The most notable of the booing to the players and staff taking a knee was at Turf Moor. Whether you watched on TV or watching live in the stadium there were clear audible boos towards the anti-racism message and gesture before kick-off.

Another one of the more noticeable incidents was at The Den on Tuesday evening when Millwall hosted Fulham in the Championship. The booing occurred when the Fulham players took the knee while the Millwall players decided to remain standing. The noise was so prominent that it could be heard over music played through the stadium speakers.

Both Sean Dyche and Gary Rowett, managers of Burnley and Millwall, referenced the situation and in my opinion, took the cowardly position of not wanting to take a strong stance against the opposition to the anti-racism message.

Dyche stated that fans "cannot be controlled" with Rowett has called on football "to find a better way to unify people".

The fact that the leaders at these football clubs can't fully support the movement and the message makes it clear that nothing will change at The Den and Turf Moor and more widely at every stadium across the country.

Once again, it is very obvious that racism is still a major problem that exists not only in football but in wider society and the wider community. It is a huge problem that will only be solved with understanding and respect amongst fans and the whole footballing world.

CF Statement

I once again reaffirm my commitment to the anti-racism and anti-discrimination message within football and view the recent opposition to the message as a disappointing occurrence that needs to and will be changed through the continued support of the movement and the message itself. It doesn't matter whether you agree with the gesture of taking a knee or not however the message and premise are still the same. Those that show blatant ignorance to the message through the method of booing are those who should educate themselves on the situation and make a balanced and informed decision on the situation.

I myself support the taking a knee gesture as it is the most effective method to showing your support and your commitment to the anti-racism and anti-discrimination movement. It is not political, it is a gesture for those who believe in an equal and fair society to show their support for a fair and equal society and a society that accepts people for who they are.

Reporting Racism

To take a stand against racism, we all need to make a positive change. If you see or hear racism, here is how to call it out.

https://www.premierleague.com/reportracism