Spurs Take a Stand: No More Kneeling in the WSL

Tottenham's Shift in Approach

In a thought-provoking decision, Tottenham Hotspur's women's team did not take the knee before their match against Brighton in the Women's Super League. This choice comes in the wake of a troubling incident where Spurs and England forward Jessica Naz faced racial abuse on social media just last month. Captain Bethany England articulated the sentiment clearly: "As players, we have chosen to not take the knee before kick-off. Instead, we will stand up against racism." This shift reflects a growing sentiment among players that symbolic gestures alone, without substantial action, may no longer suffice.

The Meaning Behind the Decision

England's statement resonated deeply within the football community. Her assertion that "taking the knee no longer feels meaningful" underscores a crucial point: while gestures of solidarity are vital, they must be backed by authentic commitment to change. England expressed, "We are still seeing prejudice and racism, and there is so much more that everyone should be doing." This sentiment prompts a broader conversation about how we measure the effectiveness of anti-racism initiatives in sports.

“This is not a tick box - this is people's lives, people's feelings. It needs to change.” - Bethany England

Contrasting Approaches Within the League

While Tottenham has opted for a new approach, other teams are making their own decisions. Brighton, for instance, proceeded with taking the knee. Matches involving Manchester United and Chelsea saw players linking arms at the center circle, demonstrating solidarity in a manner that resonates with their values. The Women's Super League has acknowledged that not all players will choose the same method to show support against racism, stating, "We have always been player-led, and we support each individual choice in how they mark the occasion in a way that feels right for them." This flexibility allows teams to engage in meaningful ways that align with their beliefs.

A Broader Context of Anti-Racism in Football

October marks Black History Month in the UK, and the WSL invited clubs to take a stand against racism during this time. However, with Tottenham stepping away from the knee gesture, the spotlight shifts to broader efforts to combat racial prejudice in football. England's women's team had similarly stopped taking the knee during Euro 2025 after defender Jess Carter experienced rampant racist abuse throughout the tournament. Instead, they stood united before kick-off, symbolizing solidarity while calling for more substantial actions against racism.

Support and Empathy for Jessica Naz

In light of Naz's experience, Spurs head coach Martin Ho expressed his empathy for her situation. He emphasized the importance of solidarity within the squad, noting that Naz has received unwavering support from her teammates and the club. He said, "Jess is good. She is the same character - a bright personality with a smile on her face, enjoying what she does." This commitment to nurturing a supportive environment is crucial, particularly as players navigate the intersection of sport and social justice.

Moving Forward: The Call for Change

Ultimately, Tottenham's decision reflects a larger trend within sports where players are reevaluating the significance of their gestures. By prioritizing actionable change over performative symbolism, athletes like Bethany England are leading the charge in the fight against racism. They continue to push for meaningful dialogue and collective action, recognizing that the fight against racism is ongoing and requires relentless commitment.

England's closing remarks reinforce this determination: "We will wear T-shirts during the warm-up which carry our message. This is our way of making a stand that this isn't acceptable, we stand with those who are still being subjected to such horrific abuse. We stand together against racism." As the conversation unfolds, it remains clear that the path forward demands accountability, solidarity, and most importantly, change.