When the English Premier League returns on Wednesday, jerseys will read “Black Lives Matter” on the back in place of each player’s name.
“We, the players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for all, regardless of their colour or creed,” read a joint statement released by the clubs. “This symbol is a sign of unity from all players, all staff, all clubs, all match officials and the Premier League.”
“Black Lives Matter” will remain on the back of player jerseys for the first twelve games of the season, following those dozen games, player names will return and a BLM logo patch will be placed at a yet to be determined location on all team jerseys through the end of the 2020 EPL season. It will be joined by a patch in recognition of the United Kingdom’s National Health Service for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BBC Sport is reporting that the Black Lives Matter patch has been designed by Alisha Hosannah, the girlfriend of Watford caption Troy Deeney “who played a pivotal role in the discussions between club captains and the Premier League alongside Leicester City’s Wes Morgan”
The move comes as league players wanted to show support to the movement protesting racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd by police officers in May.
Header image courtesy @premierleague
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