Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso revealed that he will not be taking a knee before Premier League matches as he believes that the anti-racism gesture is losing strength. He was backed by his manager Thomas Tuchel who understands the defender’s reasoning. The defender will point towards the ‘No Room for Racism’ badge instead of bending to take a knee. The Premier League had announced prior to the start of the season that the players and coaching staff would be supporting the anti-racism movement by taking a knee.
“I am fully against racism and I’m against every type of discrimination, and I just prefer to put my finger to the badge where it says no to racism, as they do in some other sports and football in other countries,” Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso said. “I prefer to do it this way and, of course, to say very clearly that I am against racism and I respect everybody. I don’t know, I just prefer to do it this way. It’s my way to do it, I think it’s another way. And maybe I think it’s losing a bit of strength the other way, so I just prefer to do it this way and to show I am fully supportive of fighting against racism.”
“No, we haven’t talked about it,” he added. “We are in the changing room and we are like a family. I have a very good relationship with everyone, I love everyone and up to now we haven’t talked about it. I don’t think there is a need to, but, of course, if I have to speak to anyone, I will say the same thing I just told you and I don’t think there will be any problems.”
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