Standing Strong: Six Players Choose Claps Over Knees in Premier League

Marc Guehi has made a statement by choosing to clap instead of taking the knee. This weekend, Premier League clubs participated in the league's No Room for Racism campaign, marking the first time this season they took the knee before matches. Yet, six players from five different clubs decided to stand tall during this gesture, including Tyler Adams and Rayan from Bournemouth, Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Leeds, Issa Diop from Ipswich, Marc Guehi from Manchester City, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Everton. In a pre-match chat ahead of Manchester City's Champions League clash, Guehi was asked if the gesture had lost its meaning. "I haven't been taking the knee for a while now. I always clap, just because of what that actually signifies," he explained. He emphasized that the issue at hand extends beyond football, framing it as a broader societal concern. "Football can be a beacon of hope to spread the message. The message remains strong, but there's always more to be done," he added. The Premier League has reiterated that the decision to take the knee is driven by the players, supporting their choice to either participate or stand aside. The tradition of taking the knee began in 2020, ignited by the tragic death of George Floyd and the global Black Lives Matter protests. Initially a constant feature, the gesture has since been limited to select matches following an agreement among club captains for the 2022-23 season. This October, however, players agreed to take the knee during fixtures coinciding with Black History Month in the UK. While the other players who stood did not comment publicly, Leeds manager Daniel Farke shed light on Calvert-Lewin's choice. "Dom believes in showing respect by standing up rather than kneeling. Everyone respects the campaign differently," Farke noted. He stressed the importance of the campaign, highlighting how dressing rooms exemplify the unity we should strive for in society. Wilfried Zaha, a former Crystal Palace player, was the first to stop taking the knee back in 2021. He voiced concerns that the act had become routine, stating, "It doesn't matter whether we kneel or stand; some of us still face abuse." Before kick-off, the Premier League reminded everyone that players would continue to take the knee in the upcoming matches to stand united against discrimination. Kick It Out, a charity focused on equality in football, stated that while taking the knee still raises awareness, they understand why players might feel frustrated with the slow pace of change. Reports of discrimination have surged, with last season marking a record high. High-profile incidents continue to demonstrate the ongoing abuse players face. Following racist abuse aimed at England defender Jess Carter during the Women's Euros, the Lionesses chose to stop taking the knee. England manager Sarina Wiegman remarked, "Taking the knee isn't enough. The impact isn't as significant as we thought." Recent incidents have highlighted the severe nature of online abuse, with numerous players targeted over just a weekend. A BBC Sport investigation also revealed thousands of potentially abusive messages on social media platforms, underscoring the challenge ahead. Despite this, a 2025 YouGov poll indicated that many ethnic minority football fans still view taking the knee as crucial in the fight against racism, although a majority of fans overall felt differently. The No Room for Racism campaign encompasses more than just the act of taking the knee. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters stated, "We're leveraging our players' visibility to convey a vital message: we stand united against racism." Players are also involved in creating educational resources on diversity for over 19,000 primary schools across England and Wales. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized the importance of representation, saying, "It's vital for young people to see role models who look like them, proving they can achieve anything, regardless of their background."