Premier League players booed for taking the knee with one player refusing to perform gesture

This weekend marked the first time this season that players across the league have taken the knee, a symbolic act that began in 2020 to highlight the fight against discrimination and support diversity within football.

The gesture was scaled back two years ago when the Premier League, after consulting with players and clubs, agreed it would be reserved for designated match rounds rather than performed before every game.

Calvert-Lewin’s decision not to join his teammates stood out during the pre-match moment of unity.

Leeds United later told the Daily Mail that players are given freedom to decide whether to kneel, an approach that respects personal choice while maintaining the club’s stance against racism.

Manager Daniel Farke reiterated that position, recalling previous discussions with winger Crysencio Summerville, who also opted against taking the knee during his time at Elland Road.

“It’s up to the individual player. We had this taking the knee for such a long time,” Farke said.

“I remember with Cree Summerville, who never took the knee, and one day I asked him and he said ‘I’d rather stand up against racism,’ so everyone has their own ideas.

“You would have to ask Dominic. I wouldn’t interpret too much.”

Burnley manager Scott Parker said after the match that he was unaware of any boos from the stands.

Witnesses at Turf Moor described mixed reactions from the crowd, with some applauding and others expressing disapproval.

The Premier League has long urged fans to respect the gesture, stressing that it symbolises unity and equality rather than any political statement.

Elsewhere, responses varied across the country.

At the Stadium of Light, light applause mingled with a few jeers before Sunderland’s meeting with Wolves.

Supporters at Brighton and Fulham offered warm applause as their players knelt, while at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park, the act passed in near silence.

Nottingham Forest’s home clash with Chelsea saw all players participate except for goalkeeper Mats Sels, who appeared distracted as he adjusted his towel on the net and missed the cue.

The return of the gesture has reignited debate about its impact and significance within football.

Some believe the act has lost its influence, while others see it as a continued statement of solidarity against racism.

The league maintains that the decision to take the knee remains a matter of personal conviction and collective awareness.

The discussion follows a similar moment from the summer’s Women’s European Championship, when England’s Lionesses decided not to kneel before their semi-final against Italy.

Players said the message of the gesture was no longer being heard and instead wanted to take more tangible action after teammate Jess Carter suffered racial abuse online.