QPR reverse decision over taking a knee ahead of facing Millwall
The Rs have recently refrained from the action after Les Ferdinand claimed the message had been “diluted”
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.QPR have decided to reverse their decision to not take a knee before kick-off in their games ahead of facing Millwall on Tuesday.
The west London club will join the Lions in showing “solidarity” after fans booed players for taking a knee black.
The club opted out of the gesture earlier this season after director of football Les Ferdinand claimed the action had become “diluted”.
But manager Mark Warburton has revealed the players will take a knee following conversations in response to Saturday’s incident, though he maintains “positive action” is needed over “gestures”.
READ MORE: ‘The message has been lost’: QPR director Les Ferdinand explains club’s decision to stop taking knee
"In light of certain events, we'll stand solidly behind the cause and our players will take a knee," Warburton said. "Tomorrow night we will show solidarity because we will not tolerate any form of discrimination.
"It's the right thing to do, everyone can see that.
"The players have come to me and told me their thoughts and I absolutely agree with them.
"Going forward, this club is so proactive in this area and this is one of the most diverse clubs in the country.
"It's not about token gestures, it's about positive action.
"What Les said, we agree 100 per cent with. Using the NHS clap for carers as an example, it was a fantastic cause but it ran its course and now we move on from there."
Ferdinand previously described the action of taking a knee as “good PR”, and insists it will not bring about change in the game.
“Taking the knee was very powerful but we feel that impact has now been diluted," Ferdinand explained back in September.
“I work for one of the most diverse football clubs in this country. A lot of people are being fooled out there.
“The taking of the knee has reached a point of good PR but little more than that. The message has been lost. It is now not dissimilar to a fancy hashtag or a nice pin badge.
“What are our plans with this? Will people be happy for players to take the knee for the next ten years but see no actual progress made?
“Taking the knee will not bring about change in the game - actions will.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments