Marc Guehi questions impact of Taking the Knee in fight against racism

Manchester City defender Marc Guehi has questioned the effectiveness of footballers taking the knee before matches, saying the gesture may have lost its impact in the fight against racism. According to the Associated Press (AP News), Guehi declined to take the knee before Saturday’s Premier League match against Ipswich Town during the competition’s “No Room For Racism” campaign.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday ahead of City’s Champions League fixture against AEK Athens, the England international welcomed the campaign but called for further action. “Whether more can be done — more can always be done,” he said. Asked whether taking the knee had lost its meaning, Guehi replied: “Maybe. I haven’t been taking the knee for a while now, to be honest. I’d always clap, just because of what that actually signifies.”

Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin also declined to kneel before Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Former Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha previously described the gesture as “degrading,” arguing that players should stand tall and embrace their identity. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the campaign aimed to unite football against racism.