Premier League stars’ names will be removed from shirts for first game back and replaced with ‘Black Lives Matter’

PREMIER LEAGUE stars’ names will be removed from their shirts for the first game back and replaced with “Black Lives Matter”. ALL 20 clubs agreed to add a Black Lives Matter badge, as well as an NHS logo, on the kits for the rest of the season during Thursday’s shareholders meeting. On top of that […]

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PREMIER LEAGUE stars’ names will be removed from their shirts for the first game back and replaced with “Black Lives Matter”.

ALL 20 clubs agreed to add a Black Lives Matter badge, as well as an NHS logo, on the kits for the rest of the season during Thursday’s shareholders meeting.

On top of that the players will have their names removed from the back of their jerseys and replaced with “Black Lives Matters”.

The Premier League will return on June 17 after every top-flight club approved the proposed matchday protocol.

And it’s for that first round of fixtures, starting with Aston Villa vs Sheffield United and Manchester City vs Arsenal, that will have the kits proudly modified.

Players from across the league have already shown their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, kneeling during training sessions and even before games – such as Arsenal before their 3-2 loss at home to Brentford.

Premier League chiefs will also consult with leading players before confirming their Black Lives Matters stance.

Despite expectations a firm position would be agreed, club bosses agreed to leave detailed discussions to the league executive.

PLAYER POWER

The club chiefs, meeting virtually for the 12th time since the Premier League was shut down in March, signalled their determination to show strong support for the worldwide campaign.

But it was felt it was vital clubs ensured their next steps met the wishes and message the players, who represent the public face of the league to millions of fans around the globe, want to send.

There are concerns any show of support for the movement would be pointless unless the league’s action has already been backed by the players.

League chiefs have already spoken to representatives of the players at all 20 clubs, seeking their input and observations about potential measures.

These are understood to include a clear statement of the League’s support for the campaign as part of a pre-match collective kneel, plus prominently messaging inside stadiums.

Meanwhile, Watford star Will Hughes has called on the rest of his Premier League colleagues to join him in taking a knee in support of the campaign for racial equality.

Hughes, 25, said: “I 100 per cent back [the Black Lives Matter movement] and hope the other players, not only in my team but across the league back it as well.

“It’s important to keep the conversation going and make as many people aware that inequality still exists.

“Over the last month or so I think a lot more people are understanding the situation at hand and a lot more people are getting involved which is good to see.”