‘The message has been lost’: QPR director Les Ferdinand explains club’s decision to stop taking knee

QPR’s director of football, Les Ferdinand, has explained the club’s decision not to take the knee since the beginning of the new season, saying that the message behind the gesture of solidarity “has been lost” and “reached a point of ‘good PR’ but nothing more than that”.

QPR, who are one of the most diverse clubs in the English Football League, have faced criticism from some corners after both they and Coventry agreed not to take the knee prior to their season-opening Championship fixture.

Ferdinand released a powerful statement on Monday, comparing the gesture - which clubs have taken part in since football returned following the killing of George Floyd - to ‘Clap For Carers’.

Ferdinand also questioned why as much media speculation had not been focused on an incident in August 2019 when QPR’s U18s side had to abandon a fixture in Spain due to racial abuse, and why Uefa nor the Spanish FA had taken any action.

“This should not be about QPR," the former England international said. "Many clubs did not take the knee on the opening weekend, yet this was not reported.

“Taking the knee was very powerful but we feel that impact has now been diluted.

“In the same way ‘Clap For Carers’ was very emotional for us all, it got to a stage where it had run its natural course and the decision was rightly made to stop it.

“Does that mean we, as a nation, don’t care or appreciate our NHS workers? Of course it doesn’t.

“No one is more passionate than me about this topic. I have spoken on the matter throughout my footballing life.

“I work for one of the most diverse football clubs in this country. A lot of people are being fooled out there.

“Recently, I took the decision not to do any more interviews on racism in football because the debate was going around in circles. People want a nice soundbite when something happens, but how many of the media who have criticised QPR over the past 48 hours genuinely want change?

“The taking of the knee has reached a point of ‘good PR’ but little more than that. The message has been lost. It is now not dissimilar to a fancy hashtag or a nice pin badge.

“What are our plans with this? Will people be happy for players to take the knee for the next ten years but see no actual progress made?

“Taking the knee will not bring about change in the game - actions will.

“Those media that have been quick to question us should be looking more inwardly. Our Under 18s were forced to abandon a game in August 2019 against AD Nervion FC due to racist abuse.

“More than 12 months on, UEFA refused to deal with the situation and the Spanish FA did nothing.

“What media coverage has been given to that? Not nearly as much as what has been granted to QPR not taking a knee.

“Don’t judge us. Simple research and evidence will show you we are doing more than most. If you want change, judge yourselves.”

QPR chief executive Les Hoos said that all their players support the “values and goals of the most diverse club in the country”, and added that anybody who believes the squad “condone racism because they didn’t take a knee doesn’t really get it," he said.

“As many of us know, the taking of the knee originated from the US where athletes have been doing it to protest against social injustice and police brutality.

“What you’ll find is that players in the States on the same team choose to express themselves differently - and in the US, it is a statement of protest, not just a symbolic gesture.

“And that is how it should be - each individual needs to be free to make their own decision on how to express intolerance for social injustice, without fear of being negatively judged.

“The EFL guidance states that it is for the players and teams to make their own decisions on this, but as a matter of courtesy should let their opposition and the match referee know.

“As a club, we fully support our players – whether they choose to take a knee or not. We judge our players by their actions and every one of them has been extremely supportive of our values and goals - and they are the values and goals of the most diverse club in the country.

“I have seen no media organisations who come close to matching what we do to further the causes of social justice and inclusion, nor BAME representation at senior level. This is despite them having considerably more resources than we do.

“To be blunt, anyone who thinks our players condone racism because they didn’t take a knee really doesn’t get it. Anyone who responds to Black Lives Matter by saying all lives matter really doesn’t get it. Anyone who thinks just taking a knee is sufficient in fighting social injustice really doesn’t get it.

“Actions speak louder than words. People need to DO something more than simple gestures.

“We will continue to support not just our players but all players who believe in greater social equality and how they wish to legitimately express those views.

“Our support is in our actions.”