Some team captains asked Premier League to allow their special jersey idea for the first games of the Return Project. The players wanted to find a way to show their support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. On Friday, there was approval from Premier League for BLM jerseys.
The BLM slogan will replace the players names. The BLM badge will also be displayed on the jersey.
Premier League is also allowing any player who wants to take a knee in support to do so.
“The League supports the players’ wish to have their names replaced by Black Lives Matter on the back of their shirts for the first 12 matches of the restarted 2019/20 season. A Black Lives Matter logo will also feature on shirts for the remainder of the season, along with a badge thanking the NHS (National Health Service) for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.
“In addition, the League will support players who ‘take a knee’ before or during matches,” the league said.
20 team captains came together and agreed to this idea. They wanted to have a collective recognition of BLM support.
A group formed in April called the #PlayersTogether group, started this idea. Specific players in this group include Watford’s Troy Deeney, Everton’s Seamus Coleman and Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin. They are the ones who called out to Premier League to approve the idea.
They released their statement as well.
“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,” #PlayersTogether said.
The first games of the Return Project will include these Premier League BLM jerseys. Some other leagues may also follow suit to also voice their support for BLM.
