Ivorian star Wilfred Zaha became the first Premier League player not to take a knee before kick-off of Saturday’s encounter between Crystal Palace and West Brom.
While a number of Championship clubs have all ceased taking a knee as a collective, Zaha is the first top-flight player to stop the gesture, which originated after the Black Lives Matter demonstrations last summer.
Zaha, who has suffered racial abuses had called for education and change after he was severally targeted on social media.
Immediately after kick-off, the former Manchester United released a statement through his management company saying:
“My decision to stand at kick-off been public knowledge for couple of weeks now.
“There is no right or wrong but I feel kneeling just became a part of pre-match routine and at the moment, it doesn’t matter whether we kneel or stand. Some of us still continue to receive abuse.
“I know there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes at the Premier League and other authorities to make change, and I fully respect that, and everyone involved. I also fully respect my teammates and players at other clubs who continue to take the knee.
“As a society, I feel we should be encouraging better education in schools…and social media companies should be taking stronger action against people who abuse others – not just footballers – online. I now want to focus on football and enjoy playing.
