Keep politics out of sport? Good luck. Sport has never been more political

Large events have long provided a megaphone for the committed to advertise their cause, writes Jim White

Sport provides an unparalleled platform for publicity (AFP via Getty)

Last Sunday, just before kick-off in the final round of the season’s Premier League fixtures, on the referee’s whistle at every ground, every player took the knee.

Borrowed from American football as a gesture designed to demonstrate an intolerance of discrimination, going down on one knee became routine for the country’s top players during the pandemic. This season, it was only rarely undertaken, reserved for special occasions. And in most stadiums, the sight of their heroes kneeling inspired a round of applause in solidarity, a sympathetic appreciation of the principles on show.

Though not everywhere.