Liverpool players paid tribute to the memory of George Floyd on Monday. Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Liverpool players kneel at stadium in honor of George Floyd

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/1/20

While protests are sweeping the United States following the death of George Floyd, soccer clubs overseas are taking a stand against police brutality and racism in honor of the late 46-year-old.

The English Premier League has yet to return to game action amid the coronavirus pandemic, but that didn't stop one club from honoring Floyd during practice on Monday.

Liverpool players made a powerful statement by kneeling down at Anfield in honor of Floyd and shared the image to social media with the caption "Unity is strength."

Unity is strength #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/wWCi2iaBBt
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) June 1, 2020

The movement by Liverpool comes after USMNT and Bundesliga star Weston McKennie sported a "Justice for George" armband during Schalke's match against Werder Bremen on Saturday.

Other Bundesliga stars have honored Floyd as well. Marcus Thuram, a player for Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, took a knee after scoring a goal against Union Berlin on Sunday to honor the life and memory of Floyd while also showing respect for the protests against police brutality and racism. Similarly, Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho ripped off his shirt after scoring a goal to reveal a "Justice for George Floyd" t-shirt underneath.

These actions come after Floyd, an African American man, died last week while being violently seized by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

The 46-year-old was pinned to the ground by Chauvin, who then proceeded to kneel on his neck and prevent him from breathing. Floyd pleaded for his life and even told officer Chauvin he couldn't breathe, but Chauvin refused to move off his neck.

Floyd was later pronounced dead at the hospital, and Chauvin was arrested Friday on charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

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