Six Premier League Players Opt Out of Taking the Knee This Weekend

During this weekend's Premier League fixtures, six players declined to take a knee before kickoff. This included a notable Leeds United player in their match against Manchester United.

Context Behind the Gesture

The 'No Room For Racism' campaign has seen players across the league take the knee during Black History Month. Introduced by the Premier League in 2020 after the COVID-19 pause, the gesture became a symbol against racial injustice following George Floyd's death in the US.

Though not a weekly occurrence in 2026, the Premier League dedicated two weekends in October to this act of solidarity. However, some players have chosen to stand instead.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin Stands Firm at Leeds vs Man Utd

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was among those who stood while others knelt prior to the Leeds United and Manchester United match, which ended 1-1 thanks to his late equalizer after Bryan Mbeumo’s opener. This marks the second consecutive year Calvert-Lewin has opted out of the kneeling gesture.

"Dom is more or less like, ‘No, I don’t go down. I show my respect by standing up,’" said Leeds manager Daniel Farke. "Every individual is different and shows respect for this campaign in a different way."

Farke also addressed reports of boos at Elland Road when players took the knee but praised the overall message of unity the campaign promotes:

"It’s definitely a good campaign and a good topic that football and sports, in general, support situations like this because a dressing room is a perfect example of how we should all live together. Different passports, different languages, different religions, but they are all together as human beings and friends who work together toward one target. This is how the world should be."

Other Players Who Did Not Kneel

• Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Everton) stood before their 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.
• Marc Guehi and Issa Diop remained standing prior to the Manchester City vs Ipswich Town fixture.
• Rayan Adams and Tyler Adams of Bournemouth also chose to stay upright on Sunday afternoon.

None of these players appear to disrespect the campaign; rather, like Calvert-Lewin, they express their support in a manner they personally feel is respectful. No disciplinary actions are expected against them for refusing to take the knee.