Lionesses stop taking the knee before matches

England's Lionesses decide to stop taking the knee, calling for more impactful ways to fight racism.

Lionesses choose to stand rather than take the knee for anti-racism

England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed that her players will not take the knee before their Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy, saying the gesture's impact is no longer adequate. Defender Jess Carter has faced racist abuse during the tournament, prompting the team’s reconsideration. Wiegman explained, "Taking the knee, that's not enough. The impact is not good enough. We need to find another way to tackle racism." Midfielder Georgia Stanway echoed this, stating, "We feel like it has gone past that now. We will stand at kick-off instead of kneeling." The decision comes amid ongoing investigations into the abuse suffered by Carter, and there's a call for a more significant gesture against racism, with support from Italy's team for the initiative.

The Lionesses' choice to stop taking the knee reflects a growing sentiment in sports that more impactful actions are necessary to combat racism. While symbolic gestures have raised awareness, their efficacy in enacting real change is questioned. The players seek to ignite serious conversations and drive progress. By standing at kick-off, they are asserting that anti-racism efforts must evolve beyond traditional gestures. This decision may influence other teams and leagues to re-evaluate their strategies against racism, illustrating the urgency for a deeper commitment to equality.

Highlights

The Lionesses' stand could signal a shift in how sports confront racism.