London: Premier League players could wear “Black Lives Matter” messages on their jerseys when the competition resumes.
During a conference call on Thursday, clubs discussed how players can use games to join growing calls to eradicate racial injustice in society following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.
Plans for the messages on kits are yet to be finalised ahead of the league restarting on Wednesday following a 100-day shutdown because of the coronavirus.
Clubs have also discussed the National Health Service logo appearing on jerseys. Players from several Premier League teams have been pictured this week in training taking a knee as part of anti-racism gestures sparked by the death of Floyd.
The laws of the game prohibit “any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images” on matchday equipment. But the English Football Association has said “common sense” would be applied when assessing the context of on-field messages. That followed a new stance from FIFA adopted after players in the German league had “Justice for George Floyd” messages on — or under — their jerseys.
Meanwhile, the pandemic-delayed FA Cup final will be named after a mental health initiative spearheaded by Prince William.
The second-in-line to the British throne is concerned about the psychological problems stemming from the coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than 40,000 in Britain and seen many people having to isolate for months. William announced during a video call with the Arsenal squad that the Aug. 1 finale to the English season at Wembley Stadium would be known as the “Heads Up FA Cup” rather than having the sponsorship of Emirates airline in the title. “We’re going to really use the final as a moment to promote good, positive mental health for everyone,” the prince said. (AP)
