Anti-racism group questions Lionesses' decision to stop taking the knee

Fare's executive director highlights the need for stronger actions against racism.

Anti-racism group expresses concern over Lionesses' decision to stop taking the knee

Fare, the international anti-discrimination body, has challenged the Lionesses' recent decision to stop taking the knee before Euro 2025 matches. This decision follows the racially motivated abuse directed at defender Jess Carter via social media. The Lionesses stated that they believe football requires new methods to confront racism. The Football Association supports this stance, aligning with the squad's perspective. However, Piara Powar from Fare expressed disappointment, arguing that taking the knee remains a significant anti-racist symbol. He called upon regulators to enforce actions against social media platforms to safeguard users from hate speech, particularly as the Online Safety Act gains traction in the UK.

The Lionesses' choice to halt their anti-racism gesture raises significant questions about the ongoing fight against racism in football. While the team believes that new approaches are essential, the powerful symbolism of taking the knee should not be easily dismissed. With social media abuse on the rise, the timing of this decision could provoke a backlash, challenging both the integrity of the team's stance and the enforcement of legislation like the Online Safety Act. As public awareness grows, the spotlight shines not just on the actions of players but also on the responsibilities of football organizations and digital platforms.

Highlights

As the fight against racism evolves, the impact of this decision will continue to unfold.