DBasia.news – The action of kneeling before the game starts has become a routine for footballers to show support in fighting racism. However, lately the gesture is considered to have lost its power.
The kneeling action has been carried out since last season as a form of support in the fight against racism with the “black lives matter” campaign. However, lately the gesture is considered to have lost its power.
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha was one of those who stopped doing so, he said there were other ways to fight racism and he – who is also black – said he got a message from his mother to stay proud and stand tall without having to kneel against racism.
Following in Zaha’s footsteps is Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard no longer does it because he supports racism, but because he sees a different way to combat it.
“I am completely against racism and I am against every kind of discrimination and I just prefer to put my finger on a badge that says No To Racism, as they do in some other sports and football in other countries,” Alonso said.
“I prefer to do it this way, it’s the way I do it, and maybe I think it loses a bit of strength some other way.”
Alonso’s coach at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel respects the decision that has been taken by Alonso. He knows Alonso personally and knows without having to kneel Alonso is always fighting racism.
“The most important thing for me is that I know Marcos personally and I trust him 1000 per cent that he is completely committed to fighting racism and all its forms,” said Tuchel respecting Alonso’s decision.
“There’s no question about that. We are all against it. We took the decision together to come to our knees, maybe sometimes it takes action against routine to get back up and talk again.”
“We all have the same point, to do our best against racism and against it so there are different ways to do it.”
“Marcos took his decision, he is a mature and responsible person. This is the position, we accept it. He gives his reasons and the discussion can end or continue in a productive way.”