Manchester City defender Marc Guehi has expressed doubts about the continued impact of the anti-racism gesture of taking the knee, which he and several other players chose not to perform during the recent ‘No Room For Racism’ weekend. Guehi stood alongside Ipswich defender Issa Diop before their teams’ 3-2 match, a stance shared by players including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Rayan, and Tyler Adams, who also refrained from kneeling during their respective games.

The decision by some players to remain standing took place amid mixed reactions from fans, with reports of jeering directed at Leeds and Manchester United stars who participated in the gesture at Elland Road. Guehi, reflecting on the campaign, suggested that the gesture may have lost some of its resonance. He stated that while he continues to support the message symbolized by the gesture through applause, he has not been taking the knee for some time.

“I’ll always clap, just because of what it signifies, but more can always be done,” Guehi remarked. He acknowledged that the issue of racism extends beyond football and described the sport as a platform with the potential to promote broader societal change. He emphasized a desire to work with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and league officials to explore ways of reinvigorating the campaign.

Meanwhile, Manchester City also faced a setback when striker Antoine Semenyo suffered a knee injury in the match against Ipswich, which is expected to sideline him for approximately eight weeks. Manager Enzo Maresca commented on the injury ahead of the club’s Champions League fixture against AEK Athens, emphasizing that the player’s recovery is paramount. Maresca expressed optimism about Semenyo’s return, suggesting the team will benefit from renewed energy when he is back, likely around December.

The recent reactions to the anti-racism campaign in football reflect ongoing debates about how best to address and combat discrimination within the sport and society at large, with differing views among players and supporters regarding symbolic actions and their effectiveness.