The Premier League is doing all it can to support the ‘Black Lives Matter’ (BLM) movement, lending solidarity to the numerous anti-racism protests taking place across the world.
It was announced recently that the name of the players on the back of their shirts will be replaced with ‘Black Lives Matter’ for the first 12 games of the restarted season. Further, the BLM logo will feature on the front of the player jerseys.
The league will also support players that choose to take the knee during or before the match, a move popularized by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick as a way to protest racial issues.
The players, who pushed for the move, said in a statement: “We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their colour or creed.
“This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether.”
Meanwhile, the Premier League also released a statement to support the movement, saying, “We stand alongside players, clubs, the FA, English Football League, the Professional Footballers Association, the League Managers Association, the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd and all those who oppose discrimination in any form.”
The shirts will also see a badge thanking and honouring the NHS and the frontline medical workers for their service during the coronavirus pandemic. The clubs will also respect a one minute silence for those that have lost their lives due to COVID-19.
The Premier League is due to resume on 17th June 2020 after a three-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.
