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Premier League star refuses to take the knee AGAIN: Ipswich defender Issa Diop rejects anti-racism gesture ahead of clash with Nottingham Forest amid growing doubts over its impact

Ipswich Town's Issa Diop refused to take the knee on Friday night, snubbing the Premier League's anti-racism gesture. 

Diop was the only player among the 22 on the pitch to remain standing, while Nottingham Forest's starters and his own team-mates all opted to take part. 

Diop is one of six players in the Premier League who have decided not to participate, citing growing concerns about the impact of the 'Say No to Racism' campaign.

Premier League players have been given the opportunity to take the knee across two weekends this month in an effort to challenge discrimination.

During the last round of fixtures, Leeds' Dominic Calvert-Lewin chose to remain standing, while parts of Elland Road booed the gesture. 

And on Friday evening, moments before the first game of the eighth round of fixtures, Diop stuck out in the heart of Ipswich's defence as those around him sunk to the turf.

Issa Diop (right) can be seen standing while other players take the knee prior to Ipswich Town's clash with Nottingham Forest on Friday night
Issa Diop (right) can be seen standing while other players take the knee prior to Ipswich Town's clash with Nottingham Forest on Friday night

His defiant move mirrored his actions last week before Ipswich's game against Man City, while opposition centre-back Marc Guehi also chose to stand. 

Everton's Ainsley Maitland-Niles also refused to take the knee and was the only player to do so before Everton's game against Chelsea at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. 

Bournemouth's Rayan and Tyler Adams were the two others who refused to take the knee, but more could follow over this weekend's matches.  

More to follow...

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