English Premier League Players Places The Words "Black Lives Matters" On Jerseys

According to an AP report, English Premier League (EPL) players have taken the stance to replace their names on their soccer jersey with the racial justice logo “Black Lives Matter.” The players will wear the jerseys for the first 12 games after competition re-start on Thursday, June 18.

Since May 26 people in the United States and several countries globally have been protesting seeking social justice following the killing of African American George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, last month.

According to the reports, the Black Lives Matter logo will also  feature elsewhere on player’s jerseys through the July 26 conclusion of the pandemic-delayed season.

The Premier League also announced it would support players kneeling EPL matches, a gesture featured in the global protests to signify Floyd’s death who died from asphyxiation when the police officer knelt on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.  

“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 color or creed,” the EPL teams were reported saying in a joint statement.
“This symbol is a sign of unity from all players, all staff, all clubs, all match officials and the Premier League – #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether.”

In a German game this week, Eintracht Frankfurt jerseys featured “Black Lives Matter” in place of the dominant sponsor logo.

The outpouring of anger from footballers — initially with “Justice for George Floyd” messages in the Bundesliga — led to FIFA relaxing its stance that banned political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images featuring on players' uniforms.