Dominic Calvert-Lewin chose not to take the knee before kick-off at Turf Moor, where a section of the Burnley crowd booed as players from both sides performed the anti-racism gesture.
The moment came as the Premier League resumed its No Room For Racism campaign, which is running across all fixtures between 18 and 26 October.
This weekend marked the first time this season that players across the league have taken the knee, a symbolic act that began in 2020 to highlight the fight against discrimination and support diversity within football.
Gesture Scaled Back to Designated Match Rounds
The gesture was scaled back two years ago when the Premier League, after consulting with players and clubs, agreed it would be reserved for designated match rounds rather than performed before every game.
Calvert-Lewin’s decision not to join his teammates stood out during the pre-match moment of unity at Burnley.
Leeds United later told the Daily Mail that players are given freedom to decide whether to kneel, an approach that respects personal choice whilst maintaining the club’s stance against racism.
Manager Defends Personal Choice
Manager Daniel Farke reiterated that position, recalling previous discussions with winger Crysencio Summerville, who also opted against taking the knee during his time at Elland Road.
“It’s up to the individual player. We had this taking the knee for such a long time,” Farke said.
“I remember with Cree Summerville, who never took the knee, and one day I asked him and he said ‘I’d rather stand up against racism,’ so everyone has their own ideas.”
Farke added: “You would have to ask Dominic. I wouldn’t interpret too much.”
Burnley Manager Unaware of Crowd Reaction
Burnley manager Scott Parker said after the match that he was unaware of any boos from the stands.
Witnesses at Turf Moor described mixed reactions from the crowd, with some applauding and others expressing disapproval.
The Premier League has long urged fans to respect the gesture, stressing that it symbolises unity and equality rather than any political statement.
Mixed Reactions Across Premier League Grounds
Elsewhere, responses varied across the country during the weekend’s fixtures.
At the Stadium of Light, light applause mingled with a few jeers before Sunderland’s meeting with Wolves.
Supporters at Brighton and Fulham offered warm applause as their players knelt, whilst at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park, the act passed in near silence.
Nottingham Forest’s home clash with Chelsea saw all players participate except for goalkeeper Mats Sels, who appeared distracted as he adjusted his towel on the net and missed the cue.
Debate Reignited Over Gesture’s Impact
The return of the gesture has reignited debate about its impact and significance within football.
Some believe the act has lost its influence, whilst others see it as a continued statement of solidarity against racism.
The league maintains that the decision to take the knee remains a matter of personal conviction and collective awareness.
England Lionesses Previously Abandoned Gesture
The discussion follows a similar moment from the summer’s Women’s European Championship, when England’s Lionesses decided not to kneel before their semi-final against Italy.
Players said the message of the gesture was no longer being heard and instead wanted to take more tangible action after teammate Jess Carter suffered racial abuse online.
The divide in opinion over taking the knee reflects broader questions about how football tackles discrimination, with some arguing symbolic gestures must be backed by concrete action to create lasting change.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
Image Credit:
Dominic Calvert‑Lewin — photo dated 13 September 2025, licensed under CC BY-4.0
