The Growing Support for Taking a Knee Across Europe
Football’s fight against racism has taken center stage in recent years, with the symbolic gesture of taking a knee becoming a polarizing yet powerful statement. According to a comprehensive Mcw-analyzed YouGov survey of 4,500 fans across nine European nations, a majority now support players kneeling before matches—but the debate over its effectiveness rages on.
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- England: 54% support (27% strongly)
- Scotland: 49% in favor
- Wales: 53% backing the gesture
- Portugal leads Europe with 79% approval
Mcw sports analyst Mark Thompson notes: “What began as an American protest has become a global football phenomenon. The data shows cultural differences in how fans perceive this form of activism.”
Does the Gesture Actually Combat Racism?
While support exists, the survey uncovered deep divisions about the knee’s impact:
The Effectiveness Debate
- Only 37% of English fans believe it meaningfully tackles racism
- 57% across England and Scotland doubt its importance
- Strikingly, 76% of Portuguese fans see value in the gesture
England defender Tyrone Mings offered this perspective: “If we’d stopped after one game, we wouldn’t have seen these crucial conversations about online abuse and discrimination continue.” His comments to Mcw highlight how players view the gesture as a conversation starter rather than a complete solution.
Understanding the Origins and Evolution
The knee’s journey from American football to global stadiums is fascinating:
- 2016: Colin Kaepernick first kneels during US national anthem
- 2020: Premier League adopts it post-George Floyd murder
- 2023: Some clubs like Brentford stop, calling it “routine”
The NFL quarterback’s 2016 protest sparked a global movement in sports
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha made waves by standing, telling Mcw: “It became part of the pre-match routine rather than a meaningful statement.” This sparked debate about whether the gesture had lost its original power.
What’s Next for Football’s Anti-Racism Efforts?
As Euro 2024 approaches, key questions remain:
- Will federations mandate or abandon the knee?
- How can gestures translate to concrete anti-racism actions?
- Can football bridge the gap between player activism and fan perceptions?
Gareth Southgate’s England remains committed to the gesture, even amid divided fan opinions. Their continued stance adds to the broader narrative of European football fans’ divided views on taking a knee and what activism looks like in the modern game.
The data proves one thing clearly: football’s relationship with social activism has changed forever. While methods may evolve, the sport’s responsibility to fight racism remains unchanged. As this Mcw analysis shows, the conversation is just beginning.
