Most of Wednesday’s matches in Major League Soccer were postponed because players chose not to play in protest of racial injustice and, in particular, the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by police on Sunday in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The development came when players in both the NBA and WNBA refused to play in support of Black Lives Matter, as well as to protest what took place in Kenosha, including the killing of two Protestants Tuesday night.
– Kaye calls MLS over cancellation notice
It seemed as if MLS did not follow suit, as the match between Orlando City SC and Nashville SC went on as planned. But after players took the field for the game between Atlanta United and Inter Miami scheduled for 8 o’clock ET, they returned the course and decided not to play.
The following games, starting with the game between Miami and Atlanta United, slow down their kickoffs as soon as players from both teams talk about how to go.
The league issued a statement on Tuesday condemning racism and inequality, but did not comment on the postponement of games, before later issuing a second statement reading: “Major League Soccer has decided to remove the remaining five matches. “Miami-Atlanta, Dallas- Colorado, Real Salt Lake-LAFC, San Jose-Portland, LA Galaxy-Seattle – scheduled for tonight. Every game will be replayed.”
Atlanta United issued a statement on the decision reading: “We stand in solidarity with the Black Community, with our players, our city and our fans in the fight against injustice. We must use our voices to be the cause of change.”
The Portland Timbers also made a statement: “The Portland Timbers stand in support of our players and their decision not to play tonight. Racial injustice and police brutality against Black people in our country must end now.”
The MLS Players Association tweeted in response to the National Basketball Players Association, “We stand with you. #JusticeForJacobBlake”
.
