Wilfried Zaha calls for improved education and for social media companies to take stronger action in fight against racial abuse

Wilfried Zaha has called for improved education and for stronger action to be taken by social media companies in the fight against racial abuse.

Footballers across the country have been taking a knee before matches since June as a symbol of anti-racism. However, Crystal Palace forward Zaha elected not to take a knee before the Eagles’ fixture against West Bromwich Albion today because it has “just become a part of the pre-match routine”.

Some clubs, including West Londoners Queens Park Rangers and fellow Championship outfit Derby County, have also chosen to stop taking a knee as they feel more needs to be done to combat abuse.

Zaha supports teammates who still choose to take a knee. He said: “My decision to stand at kick-off has been public knowledge for a couple of weeks now. There is no right or wrong decision, but for me personally I feel kneeling has just become a part of the pre-match routine and at the moment it doesn’t matter whether we kneel or stand, some of us still continue to receive abuse.

“I know there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes at the Premier League and other authorities to make change, and I fully respect that, and everyone involved. I also fully respect my teammates and players at other clubs who continue to take the knee.

“As a society, I feel we should be encouraging better education in schools, and social media companies should be taking stronger action against people who abuse others online – not just footballers.

“I now just want to focus on football and enjoy being back playing on the pitch.

“I will continue to stand tall.”