“I just prefer”- 30-year-old Chelsea ace explains why he will stop taking the knee in the fight against racism

Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso to stop taking the knee, provides reason for the same

According to Evening Standard, Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso will stop taking the kee and provided the reasoning behind it. The Spaniard was of the opinion that the gesture is somewhat losing its meaning and from now onwards, he will point to the ‘No room for racism’ badge on the kit.

Football has kept up its battle against racism as players, managers and governing bodies try to take measures in promoting the message. Far too often players of colour have been subjected to vile racist abuse during games or online. Due to that clubs in England have taken the decision to take the knee.

Even England players do the same on international duty as the fight against this serious problem continues. As recently as this month, England players were the target of racist chants when they played against Hungary in Budapest. The players were booed as well while taking the knee.

Amidst that, Alonso has taken the decision to not continue the gesture of taking the knee. He explained that the gesture was not really working and from the next time, he will point to the ‘No room for racism badge’.

“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. I prefer to do it this way and, of course, to say very clearly that I am against racism and I respect everybody. I think it’s losing a bit of strength the other way, so I just prefer to do it this way.”

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The 30-year-old Chelsea star is among the few players who have decided to not continue the gesture. Players like Wilfried Zaha and Ivan Toney have opted not to do that for similar reasons. Regardless, this fight against racism has to continue as it still hurts the game.