JERMAIN Defoe believes that “taking the knee” before games in a show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement has raised awareness of the racist abuse of players and changed attitudes towards black and ethnic minority players.

Former Spurs and England striker Defoe was a passionate advocate of Scottish teams following the lead of their counterparts around the world and making the pre-match gesture this summer.

The Rangers centre forward is delighted they have done so and has expressed hope it will continue to be a feature of matches in this country and further afield going forward.

Connor Goldson, the Ibrox centre half, was abused online after posting a picture of himself making a clenched fist salute before a pre-season friendly in France in July on Instagram.

However, his team mate feels that “taking the knee” is generating positive change throughout society in general, not just in sport, and is keen for it to keep happening in future.

He said: “The positive is probably the awareness and all the high-profile people - not just in football, but in sport in general - that have used their platforms to keep the movement going.

“Everyone seems to be talking about it, which is something that we wanted. That change.

“You watch the stuff that is happening in America with the basketball and the levels that they are going to.

“Taking a knee continuing before the game is not just for the black players. I think it is for everyone, to be honest.”

Defoe added: “You look at the marches and all these people together show this generation, if you like, is not going to tolerate racism and stuff like that, which is nice.

“I would like to think that it will continue and there will be some big changes, because it is definitely needed.”