Vincent Kompany believes that progress is being made in the fight against racism despite Manchester City and Burnley’s players being booed for taking the knee prior to kickoff on Friday night.
As was the case last season, Premier League captains have made a commitment to combating racism and discrimination by using specific moments during the 2023/24 campaign to take the knee.
Both teams kneeled ahead of the first game of the season at Turf Moor, during which a smattering of spectators booed and jeered the players.
“For my side obviously, I am very clear on this, I am for inclusion always,” Kompany told BBC Match of the Day. “But this is about progress. It is not new, it has happened in the past.
“The amount of booing is a fraction of what it used to be. I am not saying it is good enough but we need time. We are a family in the end and we need time to grow together.
“We are one family, it was a lot less tonight than it used to be and I am sure in one year it will be even less.”
Man City were 3-0 winners on the night. The Clarets conceded the first goal of the season just minutes into their return to the Premier League after Erling Haaland found the net.
Burnley did manage to put the visitors on the back foot on a few occasions, pressing up high to win the ball in City’s half. But the Norwegian doubled the lead in the 36th minute following a quick corner routine.
Rodri hammered home the side’s third of the night to put the result beyond doubt. Anass Zaroury was sent off following a challenge on Kyle Walker in injury time as City waltzed to their first three points of the campaign.
However, the contest was marred by a first-half incident which saw an object hit Rico Lewis. The fan suspected of throwing the object was ejected from the stadium by police.
