09 July 2020

MLS returns with dramatic gesture as almost 200 players take to the pitch before opening game representing ‘Black Players For Change’

Nearly 200 Major League Soccer players raised their fists and took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement as the league returned.

The opening match was between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF and players from across the league took a knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds - the period of time police officer Derek Chauvin was kneeling on George Floyd’s neck before he died.

Some athletes were also wearing T-shirts with the slogan ‘Silence is Violence’ and ‘Black and Proud’. 

Executive director of the Black Players for Change organisation, Toronto FC's Justin Morrow, told ESPN: "This is a chance for us to take our place with them, stand up against racial inequality, fight that battle and make sure our voices in Major League Soccer are heard.

"What you saw tonight was a special moment that was driven by the players, and Major League Soccer collaborated with us to make that happen."

The Black Players for Change is made up of 170 players and was set up so athletes could have a voice surrounding systemic racism both in and out of the league.

City player Nani said post-match: "It's a beautiful gesture from everyone.

"We all know we want to change the world, we want a better world, in which people look to each other without any difference, with no discrimination for colour or nationality and I think the decision at the beginning of the game and the performance from everyone was beautiful.

"It's emotional for those there and I felt it for a couple of moments and I started thinking that everyone in the world should stop for a minute and start thinking about their attitudes and to see what we all can do to make a difference in the world.

"We must think about our children and the future for them, to teach them to behave, to be a better person and to create a better world."

The match ended 2-1 after Nani scored a stoppage time winner against new club Miami which is part owned by David Beckham.

The league had a rocky start as FC Dallas dropped out on Monday after ten players and staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The next match is between NYC FC and Philadelphia.

The best videos delivered daily

Watch the stories that matter, right from your inbox