Crystal Palace have backed the principals of the Black Lives Matter movement but maintain they do not agree with anybody looking to hijack it to “push their own political agendas”.
The Eagles displayed the message “Black Lives Matter” on covers over empty seats at Selhurt Park in Monday’s 1-0 home defeat to Burnley.
But the club has now moved to clarify its position after criticism for the UK arm of the organisation and its political ideology.
A statement read: “As people will have seen from our first home game, we have placed banners over our seated areas at Selhurst Park that read: BLACK LIVES MATTER.
“We stand proudly alongside members of the BAME community, our players and employees, and behind the ideals and ethos of “black lives matter”. However, we would like to make clear that we do not endorse any pressure group or body that carries the same term in its name, and we strongly believe that organisations should not use this important force for change and positivity to push their own political agendas.
“We want to be part of a world that is fair, inclusive and open to all. As an organisation, we recognise that we need to do more, and we will do more to contribute towards this goal.”
Separating the movement from the UK arm of the organisation has seen Sky Sports pundit Matt Le Tissier reveal that he only wore the badge after being asked to by management at the broadcaster.
Le Tissier, 51, insisted he “could not support” the group’s ”far-left ideology” and their policies.
While pundits Patrice Evra and Jamie Redknapp were seen during coverage of Brighton vs Manchester United without Black Lives Matter badges which have been visible among all pundits and presenters since the Premier League’s restart.
