Results have been revealed after footballers vote on whether they want to keep or axe taking the knee towards Black Lives Matter movement.
A survey has been carried out by the PFA with a questionnaire following scenes where fans have booed the anti-racism gesture.
It aimed to find out how clubs, players and staff best wanted to spread the message of equality in the sport.
The results of the survey showed players ‘support continuing this act of solidarity despite any adverse responses that may be received’.
Millwall fans boo as players take the knee.
Loud booing could be heard when players from both teams took the knee in support of #BlackLivesMatter movement before kick off, with at least one supporter heard shouting “get up!”
More on this story: https://t.co/SCap9JiTnz pic.twitter.com/Ybvl8K8inf
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 5, 2020
THE SURVEY QUESTIONS
- Do you want to take the knee as a squad?
- Do you want to take the knee individually?
- If the knee is shown resistance by fans do you think it should be reconsidered?
- Would you welcome an alternative to taking a knee?
- If so, please give details?
Cambridge’s Harvey Knibbs and Kyle Knoyle took to Twitter, stating they were ‘appalled and embarrassed by the fans who booed’, saying: ‘It’s 2020 and the action is a symbol of solidarity.’
There have been similar incidents at Colchester and Exeter since the return of fans to stadiums.
Pro players back taking the knee as a ‘a peaceful act of unity’ that is ‘not an endorsement of any political position’. Critics has linked Black Lives Matter with with far-left political beliefs.
PFA said: ‘Throughout 2020, PFA members have demonstrated a strong understanding of the societal issues raised across the world and have used their platform to highlight the impact racism has on both individuals and wider communities.
‘This powerful symbol of solidarity represents the players’ commitment to anti-racism and is not an endorsement of any political position. It is a peaceful act of unity that highlights a persistent and systemic issue.’
PFA slammed the EFL for a ‘lack of leadership’ and explained that they had made it difficult for players.
‘While the Premier League has already committed to teams taking the knee for the duration of the season, players across the EFL have been left in a difficult position following a lack of leadership on the issue.
‘The survey conducted by the PFA has shown overwhelming support for continuing to take a knee, and we hope this gives the EFL and the clubs involved the information needed to support the players.’
‘While the Premier League has already committed to teams taking the knee for the duration of the season, players across the EFL have been left in a difficult position following a lack of leadership on the issue,’ the PFA statement continued.
Cambridge boss Mark Bonner said taking the knee was simply about tackling ‘systemic racism and inequality’.
He said: ‘I’m disgusted to be honest, it shines a light on our club for all the wrong reasons.
‘What was a really good game for us on the pitch was overshadowed by a really small minority that decided to boo in a moment when we’re reflecting the values that everyone at our club believes in. It is just behaviour which is unacceptable and at our club we don’t want that at all.
‘What was most encouraging is the vast majority drowned them out quite quickly with applause and reflected the values of our club much better.
‘We work incredibly hard in the community and there’s massive work that goes on to highlight all these issues and we’ve clearly got some work to do because some people have embarrassed our club and embarrassed themselves to be honest.’
‘What pleases me most is the small minority that booed were soon drowned out by loud applause by the majority that understand that this is about systemic racism and inequality. We’re right to back that message.’
Millwall will look to block Sky Sports coverage of an upcoming game.
Sky Sports plan to broadcast coverage of the Lions’ game against Watford on the 29th of December, however those plans for the media company is at risk.
Millwall were looking to block the broadcaster from showing the game at The Den.
The Athletic has been told that the EFL are stepped in to try and sort the situation out.
This came about as Sky chose to televise Millwall’s game against QPR, the first game to be on Sky since the booing of fans against Derby.
Fans reacted as results are revealed after footballers vote whether to keep or axe taking the knee…
To be fair that is a total guess and complete nonsense
— Joe (@JPB175) December 18, 2020
Well, let’s hope they can eventually “pay” their own wages then….
— Michael aka Michael (@gotapulse) December 18, 2020
Of course they are 😴
— David Halsall (@DavidHalsall4) December 18, 2020
I’d love to see the details of the consultation and how it was implemented, as well as the exact wording and feedback breakdown.
Of course, that will never happen. They got the headline they wanted.
— Davedanelaw (@danelawdave) December 18, 2020
More than likely being forced into it….
— Ben (@bennn222) December 18, 2020
It would be career suicide for a player to say anything else
— Mouth11 (@Mouth1112) December 18, 2020
Its time to stop
— mbulwe katilungu (@mbulwekatiz) December 18, 2020
When the supporters stop going & the money dries up then what?
— Jackie P (@Jackie___P) December 18, 2020
Crack on if it makes them feel good. Virtual signalling won’t change anything though.
— Les (@MartinTwigs68) December 18, 2020
Not every fan base will boo tho,some will clap,simply because they know what the players are United against
— Honest fan (@Honestfan6) December 18, 2020
The whole subject is important but what are we trying to do other than take the knee? Just becomes an empty gesture if we continue to do it forever without changing society’s views
— DaveC1992 (@DaveC1992) December 18, 2020
This is about sending a message to the fans that turn up and shout stone age nonsense at players. No one needs to hear their opinion.
— Jamie (@Jamiefumi46) December 18, 2020
Interesting to see footballers vote whether to keep or axe taking the knee. No doubt it’s gunna cause plenty of controversy.
— Jason Lee 🇬🇧 (@ForeverAYellow) December 18, 2020
Massively lost its impact. Powerful enough when it first started granted but not anymore.
— ClarenceSeedorfsHologram (@ClarenceSeeHolo) December 18, 2020
Probably because they would lose their sponsorships for being racists if they don’t
— COLIN⚒GSBOUT⚒OSBORNE (@OSBORNE1973) December 18, 2020
Good luck with that – I am so glad I cancelled my Sky subscription and cancelled my TV licence and refuse to watch the free games shown on Amazon and certainly will not be renewing my season ticket
— robertsessford1 (@robertsessford1) December 18, 2020
No player would say no because the criticism they would get would destroy them. They all have their own opinions, they can’t voice them.
— Jim (@centristjim1) December 18, 2020
The BLM has evolved into a political organisation. After 6 months of this, it’s had it’s day. If it hasn’t made the point then it’s not likely to. If it has made its point, then it’s time to stop. Just because after 6 months you think it’s time to stop, doesn’t make you a racist.
— Ian Horn (@IanHorn3) December 18, 2020
Do the players support the “Black Power” salute too?
Are white players allowed to make the White Power salute?
What is wrong with you idiots?
Why are you stoking racial tension? pic.twitter.com/shgBb7aRpd
— Brighton Mosque (@Brighton_Mosque) December 18, 2020
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