Aston Villa and Sheffield United players take knee in support of Black Lives Matter
Before kick-off, Aston Villa and Sheffield United players dropped down onto one knee to show their backing for the worldwide fight against racism and support the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Premier League confirmed before kick-off that they will support any player who chooses to take a knee before or during matches.
Referee Michael Oliver blew the whistle before also taking a knee on the pitch.
Villa's players and staff wore black shirts with the words 'Black Lives Matter' on in the warm-up.
A black banner was also on display at Villa Park during the match.
A joint statement from both clubs continued:
"In the first Premier League fixture of Project Restart both clubs hope that the act of ‘taking a knee’ will send a strong message of unity and amplify the many messages of support from Premier League players and the wider football family.
The directors of both clubs, Dean Smith, Chris Wilder, Jack Grealish and Billy Sharp and the players of United and Villa are in full support of this action.
We believe that ‘taking a knee’ at the start of the fixture and after the pre-match minute’s silence, allowed both clubs to pay their respects to COVID-19 victims and to show the deep gratitude we all feel for our brave and selfless front-line workers."
Players' names will be replaced on the back of their shirts with the words 'Black Lives Matter' in all of the first 12 matches of the restarted Premier League season.
A 'Black Lives Matter' badge will also feature on all playing shirts for the rest of the season.
