Everton's Maitland-Niles refuses to take the knee during anti-racism weekend

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 14:08 · Archive

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was the only player on the pitch to remain standing during the Premier League's 'No Room For Racism' initiative before Everton's match against Chelsea.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was the only player to remain standing while his Everton team-mates and Chelsea players took the knee before their Premier League match on Saturday, the start of the 'No Room For Racism' weekend initiative.

Maitland-Niles had previously taken the knee whilst playing for West Brom in 2021 but has since changed his approach. He did not publicly indicate beforehand that he would decline the gesture. The former Arsenal defender played 55 minutes before being replaced early in the second half.

The Premier League announced that players will take the knee before kick-off in every fixture until October 25. Chief Executive Richard Masters said the initiative sends 'an important message: we are united in the fight against racism' and highlights the impact diversity has within football. Some footballers have previously expressed concerns about the gesture's effectiveness, with former Crystal Palace player Wilfried Zaha describing it as 'degrading' in 2021.

How it is being reported

• Everton star Ainsley Maitland-Niles refuses to take the knee for Premier League’s ‘No Room For Racism’ campaignAinsley Maitland-Niles remained standing during the Premier League’s ‘No Room For Racism’ initiative Everton defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles refused to take the knee before their Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday. The Premier League ’s ‘No Room For Racism ’ initiative began this…Metro · 17 Oct, 13:51
• Everton star Ainsley Maitland-Niles refuses to take the knee as Premier League kick off anti-racism weekendThe Premier League's 'No Room For Racism' weekend got underway at the Hill Dickinson Stadium during the lunchtime contest, with all 22 players invited to kneel on the turf.Daily Mail Sport · 17 Oct, 12:54

In this story: Ainsley Maitland-Niles · Everton · Chelsea · Premier League

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