COLCHESTER United's players have joined fellow EFL clubs in standing together in solidarity against racial discrimination.

Members of the U's squad, along with their opponents Exeter City, took the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) message, prior to the League Two play-off semi-final first leg on Thursday night.

The U's players bent down on the pitch to show their support to the BLM campaign, while Exeter's players and referee Josh Smith also took the knee.

The EFL and its clubs are joining together against racial discrimination through a powerful online video campaign to say 'we don’t and will not accept prejudice, not today or any day'.

Players from EFL clubs returning to play will take part in the videos that will be issued across multiple platforms, to demand more from each other; more inclusion, respect and equality and offer support to colleagues, friends and members of the wider community who continue to be subjected to unacceptable forms of discrimination.

With more than 15 million followers across social channels of clubs and players involved, EFL football provides an important platform to reach fans and the general public and drive positive change through the game and wider communities.

The EFL say they are committed to promoting diversity and providing equal opportunities for all and work will continue to develop processes and procedures to address these issues.

EFL chairman Rick Parry said: “There is no place for racism in society and the EFL is committed to working collaboratively to eradicate prejudiced behaviour at all levels.

“The EFL has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination but we need to do more to drive change by learning from past mistakes and lead from the front in speaking out against racism and discrimination of any kind.

“Football has the power to unite, and we must come together to challenge discrimination and celebrate diversity in order to improve and change attitudes throughout the game.”

The content will be released prior to games kicking-off.

In addition to this activity taking place, the EFL will also say thank you to NHS key workers at fixtures across this weekend.

Players will wear shirts featuring an ‘NHS Rainbow – Thank You’ emblem and a period of applause will take place prior to all matches from 18-21 June 2020, as clubs and players collectively display their gratitude for those working on the frontline.

Clubs will also show their continued support through their own media channels and through various in-stadia displays during the selected fixtures.