During this Premier League weekend, all players and referees took a knee before kick-off to protest against racism. In Leeds, however, one player remained standing. Why?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s most striking moment came on Sunday against Manchester United, when he scored the equaliser to make it 1–1 in the 51st minute. But even before kick-off, the towering Leeds United striker had attracted attention – because he remained standing.
On this Premier League matchday, players and referees in every stadium took a knee immediately before kick-off – a gesture against racism that had become established not only in England following the coronavirus pandemic. Whilst those involved had initially performed it week in, week out, it had recently only been seen in isolated matches or on specific weekends.
As the current and upcoming matchdays are entirely dedicated to the Premier League’s “No Room for Racism” campaign – coinciding with “Black History Month” in the UK – the gesture made a comeback and promptly sparked debate: why was Calvert-Lewin the only one in Leeds who chose to remain standing?
“Dom is essentially saying: ‘No, I’m not taking a knee. I show my respect by standing’,” Leeds manager Daniel Farke attempted to explain after the match. “Everyone is different and shows their respect for this campaign in their own way.”
Farke praises the campaign: “This is how the world should be”
In fact, Calvert-Lewin – who had already deliberately ‘broken ranks’ back in 2025 – was not the only player to decide against taking a knee at the weekend. Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Issa Diop (Ipswich Town) and Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Everton FC) also did not join in with the gesture, without offering any explanation afterwards. However, in the past, players had repeatedly criticised the gesture for having lost its impact.
The Premier League, too, has repeatedly emphasised that there is no obligation to take part in the gesture, which is frequently met with boos from fans. “It’s definitely a good campaign and a good cause,” says Farke. “A dressing room is a perfect example of how we should all live together: different ethnic backgrounds, different languages, different religions, but they’re all united as people and friends, working together towards a common goal. That’s how the world should be.”
