The owner of Colchester United has called on the English Football League to provide “clear leadership” on the booing of players taking the knee – suggesting the gesture be replaced by one not “linked to some political movement in the USA”.
Robbie Cowling told Telegraph Sport “somebody needs to take a lead on this to help us clubs” following jeering by Colchester and Millwall supporters that marred the teams’ first games in front of spectators since the end of England’s nine-month fan ban.
Cowling, who wrote to his club’s supporters to tell those involved they were no longer welcome if they could not refrain from reacting negatively, said he could “understand” why Millwall had asked their players to stop taking the knee and link arms instead ahead of their game against Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night.
“With Colchester, we’ll carry on as we are until we get some clear leadership, perhaps, from the EFL from where to go next and what we should do,” Cowling said.
He added: “It would be nice if there was a gesture that was done that wasn’t linked to some political movement in the USA.”
The EFL issued a statement on Tuesday welcoming Millwall and QPR’s “positive, proactive approach” but said its own position “remains unchanged” on taking the knee and that it would “continue to support the wishes of our clubs’ players either on an individual or collective basis”.
Cowling said: “Individuals should still be able to make a choice but I think if there’s a really, strong, clear message that everyone can buy into and agree with and people all understand it, it would stop things that are happening now happening. Because it would be really clear if someone’s booing the message.
“Whereas, now, somebody can boo it and explain that they’re against the politics of it.”
The Football Association launched an investigation on Monday into the scenes at Millwall and Colchester amid accusations the booing there had been racially motivated.
That was denied by the Millwall Supporters’ Club, which said the jeering at the Den had been in protest against elements of the Black Lives Matter movement, with which taking the knee has become synonymous.
The Premier League and EFL have both sought to distance themselves from Black Lives Matter following controversy over the political views of some of its leaders.
Cowling said: “They’ve tried to make it clear that they’re not linked to the movement in the US but people are not listening to that – and maybe some don’t want to listen. I don’t know. I’m really not great on politics.
“We’ve made it very clear as to why people are doing what they’re doing at Colchester United and I hope everyone’s going to be able to respect that now.
“We would certainly fall in line with any initiative that we felt that was clear in its message and everyone, including our players, wanted to get behind.
“I don’t think it’s something just as a club owner I can decide on. I think it needs buy-in from the players that are doing it.”
The EFL said in its statement: “EFL players who have chosen to ‘take the knee’ before games or participate in similar types of initiatives are using their platform in front of millions across the world to make a statement about eradicating all types of prejudiced behaviour, encouraging attitudinal changes and creating unity.
“Players often receive widespread criticism and negativity for merely doing their jobs but here they are leading the way, trying to effect positive change and they should be applauded for taking a stand, showing solidarity and setting an example for others to follow.
“Football needs to support its players and we will.”
