Philadelphia Union wear jerseys with names of Black victims killed in police violence
The Philadelphia Union found a unique way to honor and remember Black victims of police brutality ahead of the club's Thursday morning match versus New York City FC for the "MLS is Back" tournament held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
As noted by ESPN's Tom Marshall, Philadelphia players entered the pitch wearing "Black Lives Matter" shirts. When they removed the shirts, names of Black people killed by police violence were visible on their club kits.
The shirts also had the message "One name, too many" written on them.
Captain Alejandro Bedoya wore a special armband that featured the names of George Floyd and others killed.
Union manager Jim Curtin spoke about his players following his team's 1-0 win over New York:
"At the start, certainly things going on in our country far bigger than soccer. I have to say I'm very proud of my players throughout the past four months for the leadership they've shown, the leadership role they've taken in the BLM movement, educating the other players on our team.
"The idea today was action over permission; I hope the league understands that. It was done to show respect, to learn, to grow, to make our country better. I'm really proud of my players for everything they've done."
Ahead of Wednesday's tournament debut match between Orlando City and Inter Miami, over 100 Black MLS players stood in solidarity.
Following Floyd's death, over 170 MLS footballers formed the Black Players for Change coalition that, per Marshall, desires to "have a voice in all racial matters as they relate to MLS, increase Black representation in the MLS Players Association and the highest levels of MLS, and have an impact in Black communities."
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