Norwich and Southampton players take a knee before kick-off in support of Black Lives Matter

Norwich and Southampton became the latest Premier League clubs to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement after every player, member of staff and official took the knee.

This is the third occasion players have united against racism since the top-flight returned after Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Manchester City and Arsenal set the example on Wednesday.

Referee Kevin Friend joined the players by kneeling for around 10 seconds ahead of kick-off on Friday evening.

The words ‘Black Lives Matter’ can be seen on the back of each shirt in replace of the usual player names, a gesture which every Premier League club will be undertaking for the remaining fixtures this season. 

Players have been taking the knee following the killing of George Floyd in the United States which has sparked worldwide anti-racism protests.

Players have also been warming up in Black Lives Matter t-shirts ahead of matches.

Villa’s home game with the Blades was the first match to see players kneel before kick-off and it was revealed Sheffield striker David McGoldrick and his captain proposed the idea to opposition goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

City and Arsenal followed suit in the later game.  

England striker Raheem Sterling was one of the players to repeat the action at the Etihad.

‘I see it as a massive step for the Premier League to allow something to happen,’ he said afterwards. 

‘It shows we’re going in the right direction. Little by little we’re seeing change, and I think that’s what black players and most of the rest of the country are hoping for.’