THE English Football League (EFL) has announced its stance on football players taking the knee ahead of the new season getting underway weekend.

The Championship, League One and League Two campaigns are about to begin with fans making a return to football stadiums.

Bournemouth will host recently relegated West Brom on Friday night live in front of Sky Sports cameras as fans return to the terraces.

The players and coaching staff of football clubs have been taking the knee across the country for the past year in protest against racism and inequality both in the game and in society.

The England national team continued the protest throughout this summer’s Euro 2020 competition in which Bakayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were bombarded with racial abuse on social media following a penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the final.

The EFL has announced it will be promoting a ‘Together Against Discrimination’ message on matchdays.

The movement will see all 72 EFL clubs take a unified stance against racism, discrimination and abuse both within the game and in society.

EFL reaffirms support for taking the knee 

EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: “The EFL takes the issue of tackling racism and discrimination, in all its forms, very seriously, but we must always strive to do more.

"That is why we commissioned an independent research on the issue of anti-discrimination on a matchday to help inform our approach.

“We have heard the message from players who wish to take the knee loud and clear, and they have the EFL’s support. Likewise, we support any individuals who take a stand against prejudice in other ways, and we must show respect and support to our clubs and players whichever way they choose.

"Both within the EFL and across the wider game we are committed to working collectively as we are stronger when we all work together against discrimination.”

He added: “The message is clear – prejudice and abuse – whether in the street, in the stadium or online has no place in society - and the EFL will not accept it. Football is a game with many opinions. But those who do not share our opinion on removing racism and discrimination from our game are not welcome.”

Some clubs in the EFL will not continue to take the knee before games but continue to support the message.

Clubs that do will have the full support of the EFL.