Chelsea‘s star left-back Marcos Alonso has revealed that he won’t be taking the knee saying anti-racism gesture is ‘losing strength’, according to Independent. The Spaniard will, in lieu, signal to an anti-racism badge on his jersey before kick-off.
Premier League clubs started with this trend at the beginning of the second term of the 2019-20 season after COVID restrictions were lifted in England.
However, Alonso believes that the gesture is “losing a bit of strength.” In a recorded statement, he said,
“I am fully against racism, and I’m against every type of discrimination, and I just prefer to put my finger to the badge where it says no to racism like they do in some other sports and football in other countries. And maybe I think it’s losing a bit of strength the other way, so I just prefer to do it this way and to show I am fully supportive of fighting against racism.”
When he was asked if he has has discussed the decision with Chelsea team, the 30-year-old replied: “No, we haven’t talked about it.
“We are in the changing room and we are like a family. I have a very good relationship with everyone, I love everyone and up to now we haven’t talked about it. I don’t think there is a need to, but, of course, if I have to speak to anyone, I will say the same thing I just told you and I don’t think there will be any problems.“
“For now, I prefer to point to the sleeve and that’s what I will do.”
The 30-year-old left-back could be seen pointing to an anti-racism logo on the side of his arm moments before Chelsea kicked off the ball against Aston Villa on 11th September.
