Black Lives Matter support dominated the Premier League restart as powerful and poignant moments saw players, coaches and officials stand as one against racism.
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Today was an extremely powerful day in Premier League history.
The eyes of the world watched on and the message was clear: The Premier League stands as one in the fight against racism and inequality.
100 days since the last time a whistle blew in the PL, the first whistle back saw all 22 players on the pitch simultaneously take a knee, while staff on the bench and the referees also showed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement and to honor George Floyd. That happened in both Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Man City v Arsenal.
All 20 clubs will show their support to the Black Lives Matter in the opening 12 games of the restart by wearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the back of shirts instead of player names, while a badge of support will be on every jersey for the rest of the 2019-20 season.
Before the game a moment of silence was also held for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic, while all 20 Premier League clubs have a NHS badge on their jerseys to thank hospital staff in the UK.
Take a look below at the moving images from Villa Park and the Etihad Stadium, while above is a video of the incredibly powerful start to the game as the Black Lives Matter movement dominated the Premier League return.
Incredible moment. The first whistle blows of the Premier League restart and every single player, staff & official from Aston Villa and Sheffield United take a knee to honor George Floyd & support the #BlackLivesMatter movement.#AVFC #SUFC #AVLSHU
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) June 17, 2020
📸 @daringardiner @PLinUSA pic.twitter.com/nw9uxTOE2V
Both Arsenal and Manchester City began their match by taking a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. #MyPLSummer pic.twitter.com/oMTeBXLnYy
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 17, 2020
Black lives matter. pic.twitter.com/XDtWEOOFQj
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 17, 2020
