Hibernian players will stand against racism for the remainder of the campaign rather than take the knee as the Easter Road side threw their weight behind the fight for racial equality.
Several Scottish Premiership clubs as well as the national side have chosen to abandon the practice of kneeling before kick off after criticism it was an “empty gesture” following high profile incidents of racial discrimination in the game.
Rangers star Glen Kamara was subjected to vile abuse from Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela during a Europa League clash, while teammate Kemar Roofe received a torrent of disgraceful messages on Instagram after the game.
It prompted an outpouring of support from the wider Scottish football community, with former Hibs captain Marvin Bartley and ex-Scotland international Leanne Ross appointed to a new working group within the SFA aiming to root out discrimination within the game.
Clubs from across the country participated in a virtual summit during the week and Hibs have now taken the decision to support recent efforts as the Easter Road side said players would stand in “solidarity” with others - starting on Monday ahead of the Scottish Cup clash at Queen of the South.
A statement read: “The decision, taken by the squad and supported by the club, follows recent events in Scottish football which show that much still needs to be done to eradicate racism from our sport.
“The squad - whilst supportive of the initiative which has seen all footballers 'take the knee' ahead of fixtures this season to demonstrate their commitment to racial equality - believe Scottish football can now more strongly demonstrate solidarity by standing together following high profile instances of racial abuse which have blighted the game in recent days.
Club captain David Gray added: “We’ve seen lots of Scottish teams come together on this issue in the past few days, and we think that by our clubs demonstrating our unity we can send a message to Uefa, the justice system and others that they need to take strong action against those who perpetuate hatred.
"No-one, including footballers, should have to endure this kind of abuse.
"Enough is enough.”
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