In a week’s time Norwich City will be back in Premier League action but City and Southampton players will have ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the back of their shirts, instead of their names.

The Premier League have this evening released a statement on behalf of players from all 20 clubs, while the players themselves have flooded social media with anti-racism messages using their personal accounts.

This will see the Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign feature on the back of shirts for the first 12 matches of the resumed season, which starts with two games on Wednesday and then a full schedule over the following weekend.

The statement says: “We, the players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for all, regardless of their colour or creed.

“This symbol is a sign of unity from all players, all staff, all clubs, all match officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether.”

Many football players have been showing their support for the BLM movement in recent weeks, as protests have swept around the globe following the death of George Floyd in the USA, an unarmed black man killed by a police officer kneeling on his neck.

The statement is followed by a supportive statement from the Premier League, Football Association, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers’ Association and Professional Game Match Officials Ltd.

This adds: “The Premier League stands alongside players, clubs, The FA, EFL, PFA, LMA, PGMOL and all those who oppose discrimination in any form.”

A Black Lives Matter logo will also feature on shirts for the remainder of the season, along with a badge thanking the NHS for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Premier League statement also make clear that players who “take a knee” before or during matches in order to oppose racism will be supported in their stance.