Premier League will replace player names with 'Black Lives Matter' on game kits
The Premier League will replace player names on uniform kits with “Black Lives Matter” next week, its first since restarting the 2019-20 season paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All 20 clubs requested the change and released a statement via the Premier League:
“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.”
Sheffield United revealed its “Black Lives Matter” jersey on Tuesday.
Black Lives Matter ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/z24DrJgmkN
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) June 16, 2020
The league said it supported the request and that it “alongside players, clubs, the FA, EFL, PFA, LMA, PGMOL and all those who oppose discrimination in any form.” It added the hashtag #NoRoomForRacism.
The name changes are for the first 12 matches of the restarted season. Players will also wear a Black Lives Matter logo throughout the rest of the season and a logo thanking the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) for their efforts at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. The league has also said it is OK with players kneeling before or during matches.
Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt wore a special Black Lives Matter jersey for the German Cup semifinal on Wednesday. It offered them for sale and they sold out within an hour. The number of players in the league protesting police brutality on game day continues to grow and the German Football Association has maintained its stance that they will not be punished.
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