Premier League clubs poised to issue reminders to fans of the importance of players taking the knee

Premier League clubs are considering issuing reminders to their fans about why their players take the knee as they prepare to welcome supporters back this weekend.

Half of the league’s sides will be hosting games in front of their biggest crowds since early last year on the final day of the season following the return of fans to grounds.

Players and officials taking the knee ahead of games began after football went behind closed doors.

Boos were heard when players took the knee prior to last weekend’s FA Cup final at Wembley

For some clubs this Sunday’s games will be the first in which they have done so in front of fans.

Boos were heard among the 22,000 crowd when players took the knee ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester.

A smattering of jeers were quickly drowned out by cheers and applause at St Mary’s ahead of Southampton’s game with Leeds.

Similar was heard at number of grounds in both the top division and EFL when fans were allowed back in grounds in some parts of the country earlier in the season.

The top-flights clubs remain undeterred by such reactions, are set to double down on their stance and their players will continue to take the knee ahead of their season finales.

There were also some jeers at St Mary’s on Tuesday but that was drowned out by applause

Though some clubs are poised to issue pre-match reminders of the importance of the act, which has no political connections, to their fans either via video, on their website or in their match day programme.

No decision has yet been made on whether players taking the knee will continue next season.

The Premier League will let the division’s players, who were behind its initial introduction, make that decision ahead of the new campaign.

The FA have vowed to support any player or club who wish to take a stand against discrimination, including those who choose to take a knee.

They will also continue to monitor any crowd-related incidents and the behaviour of any objectors.

Supporters have returned to grounds for the last two rounds of matches in the Premier League

England host Austria and Romania at Middlesbrough in two Euro 2020 warm-up friendlies and both could be attended by supporters.

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo has urged supporters to show more respect when players take the knee, saying: ‘I didn’t expect [the boos at Wembley].

‘I expected it to be the other way around. I thought the message was going through our community but this proves it’s going to take a long time to see change.

‘Too many generations have been suffering the same things and it is going to take time. But I expect a better attitude from the fans regarding that moment (taking the knee).

‘We must show respect because the message is all about victims. These victims who have suffered any kind of discrimination deserve respect.’