Bournemouth forward Arnaut Danjuma: "It really frustrates me when people say [taking a knee is a waste of time]... it is a very important subject to speak about, and reach out to others about. Anyone who says that should educate themselves more"
Thursday 11 March 2021 06:02, UK
Arnaut Danjuma says he will continue to take a knee and revealed his anger at those who call the gesture a waste of time: "It really p***** me off when people say that."
Since Project Restart last summer, players, officials and staff at Premier League and EFL games have been taking a knee before kick-off to show support for the global anti-racism movement.
Asked about how he felt when people called taking a knee a waste of time, Netherlands international Danjuma, 24, told Sky Sports News: "To be honest with you, I don't think I can say it on camera.
"It really p***** me off when people say that. It really frustrates me when people say that. I definitely feel it's not a waste of time, and anyone who says it needs to look in the mirror.
"It is a very important subject to speak about, and reach out to others about. Anyone who says that should educate themselves more as well.
"So it's important to keep taking a knee, it still has an impact and it's important to remind others."
Danjuma, when asked if he felt fans who booed taking a knee lacked education over racism and social injustice, added: "Yes, 100 per cent. I think schools should educate the youth better about racism.
"I think fans who boo, they are not educated about it. They need to look into the history, what actually happened, and find out how we got to where we are today.
"People must educate themselves and speak about it. It's a very uncomfortable conversation to have for a lot of people, the more we speak about it the better it becomes. We must make sure history does not repeat itself."
Danjuma has registered eight goals and two assists in 23 Championship games for Bournemouth so far this season, as the south coast club look to make an immediate return to the Premier League.
The Cherries released a statement last month explaining why, as a club, they felt the taking a knee gesture has "run its course" in the fight against racism and discrimination in football.
Some black footballers have even spoken against taking a knee, including Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha and Brentford's Ivan Toney.
Daily Mirror's Darren Lewis previously explained why he felt Zaha's and Toney's comments had been misunderstood as online abuse, discrimination and racism continue to surge - particularly on social media platforms - with many footballers targeted.
"It was a very sensible and healthy discussion," Danjuma said of Bournemouth's decision to stop taking a knee before games. "Steve Cook was in charge [of the meeting], as captain of the team.
"He said that anyone who wants to continue taking a knee can do that. I let them know I would be taking a knee if no one was against it. Everyone was very open-minded.
"No one has tried to stop me expressing my feelings, and we are all on very good terms."
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