Premier League refuse to drop Black Lives Matter badge
... after Sky Sports pundits ditch it from TV over a controver
Premier League chiefs will not ditch the Black Lives Matter badge on club shirts – despite a growing backlash against the aims of the movement.
A player-led call for an official response to the death of unarmed George Floyd in the USA saw players “take a knee” at kick-off when the Prem resumed after the coronavirus lockdown.
The names of players was replaced by “Black Lives Matter” for the opening 12 games while all shirts have been adorned by a BLM badge designed by Watford ace Troy Deeney and his partner.
But in recent days the movement has attracted controversy and led to questions for Prem chief executive Richard Masters.
BLM leaders have posted their beliefs in defunding the police, overthrowing capitalism and “targeted sanctions in line with international law against Israel’s colonial, apartheid regime”.
Sky Sports pundits Patrice Evra and Jamie Redknapp ditched their BLM badges during yesterday’s coverage of Manchester United’s win at Brighton, after the logo had been worn by all presenters since the restart.
A spokesperson for Sky Sports told The Sun Online: “Sky’s support is for the moral cause and campaign, that black lives matter, rather than for any political organisation.
“Our presenters and analysts on-screen are free to make their own choice as to whether they wear supportive badges or not.”
Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier questioned whether he would continue wearing the badge after criticising the movement’s “far-left” calls to defund the police.
But the 51-year-old decided to keep the pin on to fight racism.
He told MailOnline: “I just don’t agree with some of the points of that movement – specifically the defunding of the police and the anti-capitalist points are things I do not agree with.
“They are the two main points for me. I am quite happy for them to have their point of view, but that is mine and that is where I sit.
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“I think a lot of people in the country would agree with me.
“I will still wear the badge because I do of course believe black lives matter. It’s a simple thing.
“I agree with the cause but there are parts of the organisation that I just cannot support.”