Philadelphia Union defender Mark McKenzie has voiced his support for Reggie Cannon, adding that the fans who booed FC Dallas and Nashville SC players for kneeling during the national anthem show how much work there is to be done to fight racial injustice.
Cannon said he was hurt and "absolutely disgusted" after a small number of his own club's fans booed both sets of players who knelt to demonstrate against racial injustice and police brutality before Wednesday night's game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
“It goes to show how much work there has to be done," McKenzie, who like Cannon is a member of the organization Black Players for Change, said on a conference call with media on Thursday. "I believe somebody said this kneeling is becoming overkill right now. You know, that sums it up in a nutshell. The injustices and systemic racism, I think that’s the overkill. It’s disheartening, it’s frustrating to see.
"Reggie has the full support of myself and many others around the league, those playing and those who are fans," he continued. "It’s an eye-opener, it just goes to show how much work there is to be done. It’s not going to stop any of us from taking a stand, continuing to push for equality and equity. Ultimately we have a platform to play football and influence change, shape the next generation to be better than we we were. Reggie has the support of players around the league, around the world, and I’m fully behind him.”
Since taking his stand Cannon has received support from players across the league.
