I still believe in power of taking the knee

MARCOS ALONSO was a team-mate of mine in Florence. I know him and never had a moment’s issue with him in the dressing room. He made a point this week about why he will no longer take the knee before games, preferring instead to point to the slogan on his shirt that says no room for racism. Marcos, the Chelsea wing-back, feels that taking the knee, as a gesture, has lost its impact. I want to make it absolutely clear that I have no problem with what Marcos (right) has said or how he feels. There is too much hasty reaction in society now and it would be totally wrong to imply that because he won’t take the knee he could be racist in some way. People are entitled to their views about taking the knee and they should not feel under pressure to offer an explanation — or provide justification — for their actions. We live in a democratic country and should be able to discuss each other’s views maturely.

We need to keep working together to tackle racism and Romelu Lukaku, another Chelsea player, expressed his feelings when he called for a summit involving Premier League captains, social media CEOs, the Government, the PFA and the FA. My personal opinion on the matter will never change. It was disappointing to read that Marcos feels taking the knee has lost its impact but I still feel it is a couple of seconds’ gesture at the beginning of a game, it doesn’t hurt anyone and it is providing an education for kids and future generations.