Watford’s players will no longer take the knee before kick-off.
Very positive discussions around its inception, the confusion over its continued relevance and the better understanding of the options to show support for anti-discriminatory activities took place at the Hornets’ training ground last week between the players’ leadership team and Club Ambassador Luther Blissett OBE DL, who was also representing the Former Players Club.
As a result, Watford’s players have decided to instead remain shoulder-to-shoulder in a visible display of unity, standing within their own half of the pitch as their new response to an opponent choosing to take the knee.
“Watford FC has a very long history as a club that does not tolerate discrimination and, as a trailblazer in this respect, I felt that we needed to show support in a way that anyone in the stadium can understand and get behind,” explained Luther.
“Fans literally can ‘stand with us’ in this respect!”
For clarity, nothing will take place when Watford’s opposition indicates they do not wish to take the knee. Typically, a team will indicate their preference 75 minutes before kick-off at the referee’s briefing where managers and captains from both sides are present.
“We want to make it clear that we’ll still get involved in matchday and other activities relating to the message about anti-discrimination,” confirmed club captain Daniel Bachmann.
“It was, however, important for us to get away from the confusion that taking the knee generates amongst players and supporters, but also have something powerful that’s ours to do when required.”
Added Luther: “This is a decision the Former Players Club fully supports. Many of us played through the worst times in terms of discrimination and it was good to be able to talk it all through with the players’ leadership team.
“The history around taking the knee is actually quite complex and its origins are important to understand, particularly why some such as the Veteran community are not comfortable with kneeling as an anti-discrimination message.
“I am confident that Watford fans will continue to support the many initiatives we undertake to ensure that all are welcome and respected in our football community.”
