Premier League Players To Wear Black Lives Matter On Shirts
The Premier League has confirmed that players’ names on the back of matchday shirts will be replaced with the phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ for the first 12 games of the restarted season, while a Black Lives Matter badge will feature on all shirts for the remainder of the season.
The league, which restarts on Wednesday 17th June, has also confirmed that a badge thanking NHS staff for their work during the coronavirus pandemic will also be present on shirts for the rest of the season.
In a statement, the league said: “The Premier League stands alongside players, clubs, the FA, EFL, PFA, LMA, PGMOL and all those who oppose discrimination in any form.
“The League supports the players’ wish to have their names replaced by ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the back of their shirts for the first 12 matches of the restarted 2019/20 season.
“A Black Lives Matter logo will also feature on shirts for the remainder of the season, along with a badge thanking the NHS for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.”
The league has also confirmed that there will be no action taken against players who take a knee in protest at racial injustice before or during games.
Premier League players, meanwhile, have released a collective statement, saying: “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.”
