🚨 🗣️ Breaking: Ainsley Maitland-Niles on why he refused to take the knee before Everton vs Chelsea: “Honestly, I feel like these gestures have become formalities. We take the knee before matches, cameras capture the moment, and everyone moves on. But what actually changes? “I have experienced racism throughout my career, from my time at Arsenal to Lyon and now back at Everton. Yet I rarely see meaningful consequences for those responsible. How many more Black players must suffer before real action is taken? “Behind every racist insult is a human being being humiliated for the colour of their skin. Imagine giving everything to football, entertaining millions, only to be reminded that some people still believe you are worth less because you are Black. “I am tired of seeing beautiful messages against racism followed by the same ugly reality. Taking the knee means nothing if the people responsible face no consequences. “I don’t want another photograph of players taking the knee. I want to see real punishment, real accountability and real change. Black players deserve to feel protected, respected and safe, not just for the 60 seconds before kick-off, but every single day. #EVECHE