‘We must be persistent’ – Nuno issues his views on Spurs taking the knee

Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed his intentions to continue taking the knee and insists the football world ‘must be persistent’ in its quest to make a change. 

The view comes after Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso recently expressed his intentions to ‘stop kneeling before games, claiming the gesture’s message against racism is ‘losing a bit of strength’.

The Spaniard added that he will now point to the Premier League’s ‘No Room for Racism’ crest on his sleeve at kick-off instead. 

The decision was accepted by Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel, who insisted he trusts Alonso and claimed he is ‘absolutely committed’ in the fight against racism. 

Spurs coach Nuno was asked whether he will keep taking the knee ahead of his side’s third-round clash at Wolves in the Carabao Cup, and he believes the gesture should be kept in the frame for change to happen. 

He said: “Yes. I will continue to do so. I believe that we must be persistent with the idea and we will achieve. 

“Even the reaction of the fans when we take the knee is very positive. It will take time. It is a cultural problem. But it will take time in our society to realise that we are all the same.”

Over the last year, a host of sportspeople have been taking the knee in protest against racism and discrimination. 

The act, though, has proved to be divisive, and has sometimes been met with boos by sections of fans at a number of football clubs across England. 

Spurs Web Opinion 

First and foremost, Alonso is entitled to his own view of how to deal with racial inequality and discrimination. Many claim the message has lost its meaning because of the number of people preaching it, but ultimately it is one way of keeping societal inequality exposed so we don’t forget about it.