Millwall, Middlesbrough, QPR and Wigan opt not to take a knee before kick-off for Black Lives Matter movement
MILLWALL, Middlesbrough, QPR and Wigan opted against taking a knee before their Championship matches on Wednesday night.
Sports stars around the globe have been dropping to one knee before matches in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign.
Earlier on Wednesday, England’s cricket stars took a knee along with opponents West Indies ahead of the First Test.
Former Windies bowler Michael Holding also gave an impassioned anti-racism speech.
Formula One stars including Lewis Hamilton took a knee before the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, although some other racers opted against it.
Premier League matches have also seen stars take the knee before kick-off in a show of solidarity.
But in the Championship on Wednesday, Millwall and Middlesbrough players broke ranks by opting against the show of support.
QPR and Wigan also decided against taking a knee.
NOTHING SINISTER
After the game, Millwall boss Gary Rowett insisted there was nothing sinister in the decision, and that the gesture is optional.
Rowett said: “It was something that all the EFL teams wanted to do in the first game.
“Then sometimes there were games on Sky TV so they wanted to do it.
“But I don’t think it is something that people have to do every single game.
“The stance has been made and it wasn’t something we were instructed to do, or both teams felt the need to do.”
Boro boss Neil Warnock refused to be drawn on the matter and said: “I don’t want to comment on that, you’ll have to ask the players.”
Ahead of the game, there were rumours on social media defender Ryan Shotton – restored to the starting line-up – had decided not to take the knee.
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Meanwhile, QPR chief Mark Warburton explained: “We have done it at home and away. But we have also not done it.
“As far as I know that’s what every team was doing.
“There is no lack of respect. Everyone wants to do the right thing.”