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Premier League: Leeds Player Becomes the Sixth to Refuse Taking the Knee vs Man Utd
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Oct 18, 2026, 9:50 PM GMT+1

Calum is a GiveMeSport journalist, covering the biggest stories in world sport. Having taken part in the GiveMeSport Academy in early 2023, Calum joined the team full-time in June of the same year before moving into the role of editor shortly after. This came after completing a Freelance Journalism course through the British College of Journalism.

Having also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, he has created a wide range of content for GMS, including news, opinion, features, lists and viral sport content. 

His passion for sports extends further than football, as he has covered several sports for GMS, including Boxing, Tennis, and Wrestling.

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Premier League players have been taking part in the 'No Room For Racism' initiative this weekend, taking the knee during Black History Month.

The practice was first introduced by the Premier League following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. During Project Restart, players in the English top flight used the gesture as a protest against racial injustice after George Floyd was killed by a police officer in the US.

While the gesture isn't seen every week in 2026, the Premier League decided to have two weekends dedicated to it in October. However, one player decided against taking part before Leeds United's 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin Stands During Leeds vs Man Utd Gesture

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United)
Action Images via Reuters/Lee

Dominic Calvert-Lewin rescued a point for Daniel Farke's side after Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring in the first half at Elland Road. The English striker was seen standing while his teammates and opposition kneeled prior to kick-off.

It's the second year running that Calvert-Lewin has done so. Farke addressed the situation last year, and was forced to do so again after his side shared the spoils with the Red Devils.

"Dom is more or less like, ‘No, I don’t go down. I show my respect by standing up’," Farke said in his press conference. "Every individual is different and shows respect for this campaign in a different way."

The German coach was also asked about the alleged boos inside Elland Road when the players knelt. But Farke was quick to praise the message the Premier League are aiming to send, saying:

"It’s definitely a good campaign and a good topic that football and sports, in general, support situations like this because a dressing room is a perfect example of how we should all live together. Different passports, different languages, different religions, but they are all together as human beings and friends who work together toward one target.

"This is how the world should be."

Five Other Premier League Players Refuse to Kneel

Everton players taking a knee before the match vs Chelsea
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Calvert-Lewin wasn't alone in taking a different stance. Everton defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles became the first player of the weekend to refuse to take the knee before his side's 2-0 loss against Chelsea.

Elsewhere, Marc Guehi and Issa Diop remained on their feet before Manchester City vs Ipswich Town. On Sunday afternoon, Bournemouth duo Rayan and Tyler Adams followed the same path.

It's important to stress that the mentioned players aren't seen to be disrespecting the gesture and won't face punishment for refusing to take part. Instead, like Calvert-Lewin, they are likely showing respect in the way they feel is appropriate.

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