Institutions and individuals in the football fraternity all over the world have called for justice to be served to the perpetrators of George Floyd's killing. The latter - a 46-year-old man who lived in Minneapolis in the state of Minnesota in the United States - died on May 25th, after a police officer kneeled on his neck for over eight minutes. The incident took place while he was being arrested for an alleged $20 bill forgery.
Following his death, numerous riots and protests have taken place throughout the US and other parts of the world in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight against racism and police brutality. Derek Chauvin, the ex-police officer responsible for Floyd's death has since been fired from the force and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Pressure is now growing for the other three officers who were at the scene of the incident to face charges. Below are some tributes from soccer players, clubs, organizations, and fans regarding the incident:
June 27, 2020
NWSL players wear 'Black Lives Matter' shirts and kneel before the first game of Challenge Cup
Players of North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns FC delivered a powerful statement by wearing "Black Lives Matter" shirts ahead of the first game of the NWSL Challenge Cup on Saturday. All the 22 players also kneelt in a moment of silence to protest against racial injustice and police brutality in the United States of America.
This moment and this movement means everything to our players.#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/g0BOzN9hoF
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 28, 2020
Astonishing moment in American Sports. NWSL becomes first American Pro-Team sport to return to action. All 22 players wear Black Lives Matter t-shirts and take a knee during the National Anthem. Breathtaking to witness #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/2pELWZ0S3k
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) June 27, 2020
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) June 27, 2020
June 14, 2020
Marcelo took a knee and raised his fist after his goal to show his support to the Black Lives Matter movement after scoring against Eibar.
#BlackLivesMatter #RealMadridEibar pic.twitter.com/ozXGrSTj0r
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) June 14, 2020
June 12, 2020
Anywhere, Anytime: NO TO RACISM.
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) June 12, 2020
https://t.co/YX2TO7k3HS
#ColourWhatColour #NoRacism #BlackLivesMatter #JuveMilan pic.twitter.com/JgYkB5uJea
June 7, 2020
US Soccer to reconsider ban on kneeling during the national anthem
US Soccer has a policy which forces players to stand during the national anthem, a move that was taken after USWNT star Megan Rapinoe kneeled in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. However, the organization is now reportedly reconsidering their stance after the killing of George Floyd.
Saturday, June 6, 2020
-
Black Lives Matter Plaza: Abby Wambach commends DC mayor for renaming street in front of the White House.
Former USWNT star has praised Mayor Muriel E. Bowser for renaming a street infront of the White House as "Black Lives Matter Plaza". The symbolic two-block long mural was painted asphalt in massive yellow letters.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
-
Football fratenity unites for Blackout Tuesday
Football organisations, brands and stars, on Tuesday, flooded social media with numerous posts writing on black backgrounds to show their support for the fight against racism. The movement sought to amplify the protests against racial injustice happening in America and globally that has been triggered by the killing of George Floyd.
Below are some posts:
Monday, June 1, 2020
-
FIFA backs players for supporting #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd
FIFA has called for organizing bodies to apply "common sense" when handling players showing support for the #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd movement after the African American killing. This came in response to the Bundesliga stating they are assessing whether to sanction the likes of Sancho, Thuram, Hakimi, and McKennie on the grounds of "political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images", which is prohibited.
-
Anthony Modeste caps sensational goal with a celebration in honor of George Floyd
Koln striker Anthony Modeste got on the scoresheet in Monday's Bundesliga encounter with RB Leipzig and paid tribute to the #SayNoToRacism cause with his goal celebration.
It's amazing to see the global football community in solidarity with what is going on in the U.S, Modeste being the latest to honor George Floyd with his celebration.
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) June 1, 2020
It's inspiring to see so many people in football come together to speak out against racism and injustice. pic.twitter.com/kIORWW5PK8
-
Marcus Rashford:
#blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/LSEeQ61YRz
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) June 1, 2020
-
Hope Solo:
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) June 1, 2020
-
Tierna Davidson:
#BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/VnvkERvx7Q
— Tierna Davidson (@tierna_davidson) June 1, 2020
-
Crystal Dunn:
-
Paul Pogba:
-
Kevin-Prince Boateng:
Sunday, May 31, 2020
-
Sydney Leroux:
-
Karina LeBlanc
as I turned to my husband & said
— Karina LeBlanc (@karinaleblanc) May 31, 2020
"With the way things are it's a blessing we had a girl.
Sad thing is in these scary times,she may still not be in the clear"
I'm raising a mixed race girl.
No parent should ever have to think this way.
We need to make this world a better place pic.twitter.com/NQsVcVymyM
-
Rhain Brewster:
This is way deeper than just pointing out who's staying quiet and who's speaking up. Unfortunately for us black/brown people etc, this is a real life & everyday occurrence in so many different ways. For years & generations we've been screaming out for change and to be heard 1/3 pic.twitter.com/Lo3pvJlTQJ
— Rhian Brewster (@RhianBrewster9) May 31, 2020
-
USWNT Players Union:
-
Rose Lavelle:
#BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/aLC0f7EGZd
— Rose Lavelle (@roselavelle) May 31, 2020
-
Marcus Thuram takes a knee in goal celebration against Union Berlin /strong>
Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram - son of French soccer legend Lilian Thuram - took a knee to show his solidarity in the fight against racism in America after scoring against Union Berlin on Sunday.
Powerful gesture from Marcus Thuram. His father Lilian, World Cup winner and anti-racism campaigner, gave a powerful talk at the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool in 2008, unforgettable to all of us privileged to be present. Impressive family - on and off the field. https://t.co/TCsKv4JbjO
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) May 31, 2020
-
Jadon Sancho, Hakimi Achraf reveal "Justice For George Floyd" shirts after scoring
The pair was on target as Dortmund thrashed Paderborn 6-1 away from home.
First professional hat trick . A bittersweet moment personally as there are more important things going on in the world today that we must address and help make a change. We have to come together as one & fight for justice. We are stronger together! #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/ntOtwOySCO
— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) May 31, 2020
Todos juntos venceremos al racismo! Justicia!
— achrafhakimi (@AchrafHakimi) May 31, 2020
Together we will defeat racism! Justice !
#justiceforgeorgefloyd pic.twitter.com/98xjUjlt5c
Saturday, May 30, 2020
-
Carli Lloyd sparks angst for 'ill-timed' golf tweet
Soccer fans on social media have heavily slammed USWNT skipper Carli Lloyd for being reluctant in adding her voice to the call for justice for George Floyd. With a nationwide protest going on on Saturday, the 37-year-old Sky Blue FC star tweeted about buying a pushcart so she can play golf with her husband.
A blocking spree then ensued after some individuals tagged her to sign petitions while others questioned the timing of her post and her silence on the hot issue. Moments later, Carli Lloyd jumped on the #SayNoToRacism campaign but subsequently deleted the post.
She also shared an #AllLivesMatter post on her Instagram story. Many have since called for her to be stripped of her post as the USWNT captain.
you have an enormous platform that you take to for lots of self promotion but the second there's a real issue you fall silent. so many little boys and girls look up to you and they need to see activism. this isn't okay. you have a privilege and a voice. you HAVE to use it.
— graceᵇˡᵐ (@aestheticwnt) May 30, 2020
You blocked people who shared petitions with you, you posted an all humans matter ig story, and now saying that it doesn't matter your color when there are people dying due to their color. Take the time to educate yourself so you can be a proper role model and captain. https://t.co/agqvBhjSSs
— hana ◡̈ (@gaystackss) May 30, 2020
.@CarliLloyd this is your club too. now is the perfect time to use your voice and platform for good and support the many teammates you are a captain for. i know you can do better. https://t.co/ByCv6nuCL0
— j u l i a (@sonnysoftsmiles) May 30, 2020
Good. Next move please, the pic
— Angela Akua Asante (Triple A) (@AngieAsante) June 1, 2020
I don't know how Carli Lloyd would dare share a dressing room with her Black team mates at club & NT levels after her May 30th Twitter blocking spree but I do know that @USWNTPlayers & @SkyBlueFC can choose a better leader #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/vGI4gJbOMN
(Except for Carli Lloyd, that is)
— Luis Paez-Pumar (@lppny) June 1, 2020
Update: Following Saturday's backlash, Carli Lloyd took to Twitter to Monday to pen a tribute to George Floyd and the Black community.
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) June 1, 2020
-
Weston McKennie wears a "Justice for George" armband in Schalke vs.Werder Bremen
The American midfielder paid tribute to the deceased by wearing an armband with the inscription "Justice for Floyd" on it in Saturday's Bundesliga encounter.
To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on to long feels good!!! We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard! #justiceforgeorgefloyd #saynotoracism pic.twitter.com/TRB1AGm0Qx
— Weston McKennie (@WMckennie) May 30, 2020
-
Adidas and Nike join forces to fight against racism in the USA
Adidas and Nike - two sportswear manufacturing giants - took to social media to advocate for change in the wake of George Floyd's murder. The latter's video addressing racism in America was quoted by the former, with both asking for affirmative action to be taken in handling the issue.
Together is how we move forward.
— adidas (at ) (@adidas) May 30, 2020
Together is how we make change. https://t.co/U1nmvMhxB2