Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha has become the first Premier League footballer to stop taking the knee before fixtures.
Athletes have used the gesture as a show of defiance against discrimination of any kind since 2020.
But on Saturday, Zaha stood still as others took the knee, ahead of Palace’s game against West Brom.
A statement from Zaha explaining his actions read: “My decision to stand at kick-off has been public knowledge for a couple of weeks.
“There is no right or wrong decision, but I feel kneeling has just become a part of the pre-match routine and whether we kneel or stand, some of us continue to receive abuse..
“I know there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes at the Premier League and other authorities to make change, and I fully respect that, and everyone involved.
“I also fully respect my team-mates and players at other clubs who continue to take the knee.
“As a society, I feel we should be encouraging better education in schools, and social media companies should be taking stronger action against people who abuse others online – not just footballers.”