As the image of FC Dallas and Nashville SC players kneeling during the national anthem of their Aug. 12 match has spread across social media platforms, Major League Soccer players have grown unified in their support.
Players of all races and backgrounds have used the hashtag #WeKneelTogether, further calling attention to issues of systemic racism and inequality. Below is a collection of messages from Twitter, with many also tagging Black Players For Change, a group working to promote inclusion and opportunity across MLS.
In a statement issued June 9, MLS previously said it supports players’ right to peacefully protest during the national anthem. On a conference call last weekend, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said that the national anthem would be played when fans were in attendance, though wouldn’t when supporters weren’t present, just like at the MLS is Back Tournament.
#WeKneelTogether in order to continue to call attention to the systematic racism and inequalities in this country.@MLSPA @BPCMLS pic.twitter.com/8URFsEJmw1
— Jimmy (@JimsMaurer) August 15, 2020
#mlspa #bpcmls ✊🏾@MLSPA pic.twitter.com/ZK9oQ5IfD7
— Eloy Room (@EloyRoom) August 15, 2020
#WeKneelTogether For justice. For change. @MLSPA @BPCMLS pic.twitter.com/kFm3hPPof9
— Christian Ramirez (@Chris_Ramirez17) August 15, 2020
For change. #WeKneelTogether @BPCMLS @MLSPA pic.twitter.com/S6iKsOAw0k
— Dax McCarty (@DaxMcCarty11) August 15, 2020
#WeKneelTogether @BPCMLS @MLSPA pic.twitter.com/UayQ6ZXlJy
— Julian Gressel (@JulianGressel) August 15, 2020
#WeKneelTogether @MLSPA @BPCMLS pic.twitter.com/CRuCYvrYDC
— patrick mullins (@pmullins14) August 15, 2020
#WeKneelTogether to support our teammates. To support change that is desperately needed. @MLSPA @BPCMLS pic.twitter.com/HFod9Y1zNl
— Eric Miller (@emillller) August 15, 2020
We kneel to protest the systemic racial injustices in this country. We kneel because we expect our country to do better, to be better, to be the country it is capable of being. I support @ReggieCannon15 and the rest of the player group! #wekneeltogether @MLSPA @BPCMLS pic.twitter.com/8HTlWbVCPD
— Brad Stuver (@brad_stuver) August 15, 2020
Again. #wekneeltogether @BPCMLS @MLSPA pic.twitter.com/D7a1ZhEMfY
— AJ DeLaGarza (@AJD_20) August 15, 2020
Overkill?? Keep reminding us why we’re doing this, why don’t you?#WeKneelTogether @BPCMLS @MLSPA pic.twitter.com/WBPiF9991Z
— CJ Sapong (@BigAfrika88) August 16, 2020
#WekneelTogether pic.twitter.com/VFJigeo41h
— Boniek Garcia (@boniek1426) August 15, 2020
#WeKneelTogether For justice. For change @MLSPA @BPCMLS pic.twitter.com/svN9z2t3L0
— Zarek Valentin (@ZarekValentin) August 15, 2020
#WeKneelTogether @MLSPA @BPCMLS pic.twitter.com/Sw1xsTiXOY
— Jordan Morris (@JmoSmooth13) August 16, 2020
#WeKneelTogether @BPCMLS @MLS pic.twitter.com/lP69FHis6D
— Dom Dwyer (@Ddwyer14) August 16, 2020