On Tuesday, the Football Association announced that Premier League players won't receive sanctions or punishments for showing support for George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man who died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.
Over the weekend, several Bundesliga players honored Floyd during matches. Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho received a yellow card for removing his jersey to reveal a shirt that carried a "Justice for George Floyd" message.
Footballers are automatically cautioned for removing jerseys in celebration on the pitch.
As noted by the Associated Press, though, England's FA will back players who offer such social-justice demonstrations during matches.
Per a statement, the FA said:
"Where any behaviors or gestures on the pitch that may constitute a breach of the laws of the game have to be assessed, they would be reviewed on a case by case basis with a common sense approach and understanding of their context. The power of football can break down barriers across communities and we remain deeply committed to removing all forms of discrimination from across the game we all love."
Players from Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United honored Floyd and other victims of police violence during midweek training sessions.
Before training at Cobham this morning, the Chelsea players and coaching staff formed the letter H, for humans, and knelt in a show of support for the #BlackLivesMatter movement. pic.twitter.com/yI6kAywa93
— Chelsea FC (at ) (@ChelseaFC) June 2, 2020
#UnitedAsOne pic.twitter.com/G79rrXcx3a
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 2, 2020
On Monday, Tottenham center back Jan Vertonghen and Manchester United star Marcus Rashford both issued statements via social media.
#blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/LSEeQ61YRz
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) June 1, 2020
The English top-flight league is scheduled to return to action amid the coronavirus pandemic on June 17.
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