Chelsea left-back, Marcos Alonso, has become the latest Premier League to stop taking the knee before matches.
Premier League players have been doing the gesture in a bid to stop racism but Alonso believes it’s now lost its impact.
The Spaniard hasn’t taken the knee in any of his six Premier League and Champions League appearances so far this season and he confirmed he would make his own gesture instead.
“I am fully against racism and I’m against every type of discrimination, and I just prefer to put my finger to the badge where it says no to racism, like they do in some other sports and football in other countries,” said Alonso, according to the Telegraph. “I prefer to do it this way and, of course, to say very clearly that I am against racism and I respect everybody.”
Asked whether the decision had anything to do with politics, Alonso said: “I don’t know, I just prefer to do it this way. It’s my way to do it, I think it’s another way. And maybe I think it’s losing a bit of strength the other way, so I just prefer to do it this way and to show I am fully supportive of fighting against racism.”
Alonso’s teammates, Reece James, Antonio Rudiger and Romelu Lukaku, have all been victims of disgusting racial abuse recently but the left-back admits he hasn’t spoken to them regarding his decision.
“No, we haven’t talked about it,” admitted Alonso. “We are in the changing room and we are like a family. I have a very good relationship with everyone, I love everyone and up to now we haven’t talked about it. I don’t think there is a need to, but, of course, if I have to speak to anyone, I will say the same thing I just told you and I don’t think there will be any problems.”
Asked if he’ll no longer take the knee, Alonso confirmed: “Yeah, for now, I prefer to point to the sleeve and that’s what I will do.”
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On Sunday, Alonso played a key role to help Chelsea beat Tottenham 3-0 and move back to the top of the Premier League.
Throughout the 90 minutes, he was booed by the home supporters - something that didn’t bother Alonso in the slightest.
“I love it! To be booed when you play away, it’s music to my ears,” said Alonso. “It might be because I have scored a few goals against them and I think they maybe have these memories in their head when I touch the ball, so yeah I love it and even more when we get the three points.”
Chelsea have set the early pace in the league this season and Alonso thinks their European champions tag has put a target on their back.
“After winning the Champions League, I think other teams are more motivated (against Chelsea),” said Alonso. “So we need to train even more and we need to try even harder.
“I think every game is going to be tough this season. The Premier League has got so competitive and we are seeing every week how tough it is to get the three points and to play our football. First we have to focus on the Carabao Cup and then we will think about Manchester City. But it will be another tough and another top game.
“These days there are so many games and, of course, there will be games for everybody.
“I’m sure we’re going to need everyone and we need to be together getting the points because it’s very tough, the Premier League this season, and it’s going to be long and tough to stay up there for the whole year.”
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