Crystal Palace and Ivorien superstar, Wilfried Zaha caused a stir when he became the first player in the English Premier League (EPL) not to take a knee prior to Saturday’s game against West Bromwich Albion.
Zaha explained his stance through a statement prior to the game by stating that he feels kneeling has become “a part of a pre-match routine” and hasn’t stopped racial abuse.
”My decision to stand at kick-off has been public knowledge for a couple of weeks now. There is no right or wrong decision, but for me personally, I feel kneeling has just become a part of the pre-match routine and at the moment, it doesn’t matter whether we kneel or stand, some of us still continue to receive abuse.
“I know there is a lot of works being done behind scenes at the Premier League and other authorities to make change and I fully respect that, and everyone involved. I also fully respect my teammates and players at other clubs who continue to take the knee.
“I know that I want to focus on football and enjoy being back playing on the pitch. I will continue to stand tall.”
