Interestingly, "taking the knee" has its origins in American football. Its when the game is about over and the winning team has the ball. The quarterback "takes the knee" on each down and runs the clock out. The term was taken from that context when Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers quarterback took the knee during the National anthem. The term now signifies solidarity, in the fight for a common cause. FYI, 49rrs cut kaepernick, a very good QB at the end of that season. A decision that violated an established axiom, "dont cut if you dont have a replacement". Set the 49ers back at least 2 seasons. But, i guess he was too much of a polarizing factor in the dressing room. I find it interesting that English football has adopted the term and the practice.