ANTONI Sarcevic has asked fans to respect the players’ choice to take the knee before games this season.

The Bolton captain heard a small number of supporters who jeered the anti-racism gesture before kick-off in Saturday’s friendly against Blackburn Rovers.

Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan came out in support of the squad via a statement on Monday – and Sarcevic has confirmed that players will again take the knee for this weekend’s game against MK Dons.

Critics of the gesture claim it is overtly political but Sarcevic believes a multi-cultural dressing room is united behind a positive message.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Sarcevic said: “We heard the boos. I have to be careful with what I say but as captain of this football club and a group of players from all backgrounds in this squad, we are all very tight knit, and I know we are all supporting it. We will continue to take the knee and do the right things to stop what is going on.

“I know it is a minority. Every fan can have opinions and voice them if they want, they pay well-earned money to come and watch football. But I’d say that if people are not in full agreement with this then just bite your tongue, do whatever you have got to do for that seven seconds, and then get back to supporting the team, simple as that.”

Sarcevic confirmed that the decision to take the knee is taken by players in each dressing room and conveyed by the match officials before each game.

Though some have suggested the strength of the message has been ‘diluted’ by the controversy, Sarcevic maintains there is still a strong mood of support at Wanderers.

“Before we go out for games the referee will make us aware and several times players in our team have asked me to make sure I tell the ref we need to do it,” he said. “That is simple and it will continue through the season, so I hope a lot of other teams continue to stand by their players and carry on doing it.”

Though Evatt and his squad have had to contend with a number of Covid-related issues since the squad returned to the training ground at the end of June, Sarcevic reckons the six new players and two returning loanees have settled well, leaving an optimistic mood in the camp.

“It was exciting when the recruitment was going on and I knew some of the lads who were coming in, and they have all bedded in perfectly,” he said. “It is exactly the same as what we had last season – confidence, happiness and it stems on to the pitch. We cannot wait for Saturday.”

Sarcevic may well be in attendance tonight as Wanderers send a side to one of his former clubs, Chester FC, for the final pre-season friendly.

“The manager is definitely not putting me in it because he wants me ready for Saturday!” he added. “But it’s a club close to my heart. I probably will be down there to support the lads and obviously see a few familiar faces.”