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'We were never part of Black Lives Matter... we want a black life to matter': England international Andros Townsend backs use of phrase and claims there is no Premier League connection to BLM pressure group after Crystal Palace statement

England international Andros Townsend has made clear that Premier League players have no connection to the political organisation Black Lives Matter – while continuing to back the phrase.

Crystal Palace star Townsend and his fellow Premier League players have worn logos on their shirts since the season restarted with the phrase 'Black Lives Matter' on them.

The 28-year-old also took a knee before kick-off in Palace's game against Burnley earlier this week yet has now sought to differentiate the phrase and the organisation.

Andros Townsend taking the knee prior to kick-off in their game against Burnley this week

He told TalkSport: 'As far as I'm aware, we were never part of a political organisation or this organisation Black Lives Matter, it was merely a phrase coined together.