Guehi among players not to take knee – is it time to ‘move campaign along’?

Several Premier League players remained standing during pre-match anti-racism gestures, while England international Marc Guehi said he prefers to clap and questioned how the campaign could move forward. The debate reflects differing views on the gesture’s impact, as football continues to face racism and discrimination.

Players began taking the knee in 2020, and captains agreed it would be used in selected fixtures, including this October’s No Room For Racism matches. Six players across five clubs did not kneel this weekend; Leeds manager Daniel Farke said Dominic Calvert-Lewin shows respect by standing. Kick It Out says the gesture still raises awareness, while reports of discrimination and racism to the charity more than doubled between 2021-22 and 2025-26, reaching a record last season.