THE ‘taking the knee’ was supposed to help in making a statement against racism in sport, particularly notably in football.

In my opinion this has now lost its initial spontaneous appeal.

I agree with the Home Secretary Priti Patel that this is no longer helpful in the fight against racism and appears to be just for show.

It would have much more meaning if football authorities showed that apart from there being a high percentage of BAME players, that this fed through to managers and directors of football clubs, but this shows no sign of changing.

I would have a lot more respect for ‘taking the knee’ if it was done for other causes such as for the Uyghurs who have been persecuted in China.

I suppose though that China pays a lot for football TV rights.

IAN CLARK
Wynford Road, Bournemouth