Major League Soccer has issued a statement reaffirming its support for players peacefully protesting against social injustice and condemning the abuse of all players who choose to protest while playing the national anthem.
The statement comes after players from FC Dallas and Nashville SC were abused for picking a knee while playing the national anthem before Wednesday night’s MLS game in Frisco, Texas. A small number of fans booed the players, a reaction FC Dallas defender Reggie Cannon described as “absolutely disgusting.” Cannon was later subjected to racist abuse on social media.
FC Dallas President and CEO Clark Hunt and FC Dallas President Dan Hunt have also released a statement supporting Cannon and condemning the abuse.
MLS statement:
While playing the national anthem during yesterday’s match between FC Dallas and Nashville SC, the players of both clubs and match judges chose to kneel. Deen
As we have consistently said over several years, Major League Soccer supports players and staff who protest peace in the name of equality and social justice.
Some of the comments made on social media after the game were terrible. We want to make it very clear that MLS will not tolerate any abuse or threats for any individual player or team that decides to exercise their right to peaceful protest while playing the National Anthem or any other pre-game ceremony.
Statement by Clark and Dan Hunt:
We want to be clear: We love and support Reggie Cannon. The racist remarks and death threats he has received are echoing and unacceptable. There is no place in our sport, as in our country for that matter, for the kind of horrible vitriol that Reggie had to endure today. Hateful or violent threats are never justified – especially if they are directed at a member of our FC Dallas family. We will continue to work – with our players, our coaches and our fans – against racism and in the cause of equality for all.
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