Premier League to Replace Players' Names on Jerseys With 'Black Lives Matter'

Premier League clubs are replacing players' names on the back of jerseys with the phrase "Black Lives Matter" for the league's first games back since the coronavirus-induced suspension, the league announced on Friday.

Clubs across the Premier League will sport the altered jerseys for the first round of games when the league returns on June 17. 

"We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their color or creed. This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether," the players of all 20 clubs came together to write in a statement.

The Premier League offered its support with a statement of its own: "The Premier League stands alongside players, clubs, The FA, EFL, PFA, LMA, PGMOL and all those who oppose discrimination in any form. The League supports the players’ wish to have their names replaced by Black Lives Matter on the back of their shirts for the first 12 matches of the restarted 2019/20 season.

"A Black Lives Matter logo will also feature on shirts for the remainder of the season, along with a badge thanking the NHS for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.

In addition, the League will support players who "take a knee" before or during matches. The Premier League believes there is no room for racism, anywhere #NoRoomForRacism."

The Premier League's decision follows support for the Black Lives Matter movement from teams in the Bundesliga. Eintracht Frankfurt donned jerseys with "Black Lives Matter" on Wednesday, while Bayern Munich wore warmup shirts and armbands with "Black Lives Matter" on them last week. 

The Bundesliga announced that it would be following FIFA's recommendations and not disciplining players who were otherwise in violation of the Laws of the Game for displays of political or personal slogans on the field. The English FA had previously indicated that it would act similarly. 

“Where any behaviors or gestures on the pitch that may constitute a breach of the laws of the game have to be assessed, they would be reviewed on a case by case basis with a common sense approach and understanding of their context,” the FA said in a statement. “The power of football can break down barriers across communities and we remain deeply committed to removing all forms of discrimination from across the game we all love.”

The dedications throughout European soccer follow global protests after the death of George Floyd, who was killed in Minnesota police custody on May 25. Floyd was stopped by officer Derek Chauvin, who placed his knee on Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes. Floyd can be heard on video saying "I can't breathe" numerous times before his death.

Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder. Three other Minneapolis police officers have been charged with aiding and abetting murder for their role in Floyd's death.