Recent years have seen many soccer protests. Megan Rapinoe's kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 started a movement that spawned protests against racial injustice in sports and across society. In February, the United States national team announced that players would no longer kneel during the anthem. The U.S. team stood before the anthem in a match against Sweden. Others on the field sat down.
Canada Soccer's absence of explicit support for soccer protests
Canada Soccer's lackluster support for the soccer protests prompted a variety of questions. Canada Soccer, for example, is it clear on Canada Soccer's position about the need to have greater transparency regarding its funding and recruitment process? Does it want its players to be paid equally? Does it want equal compensation for men and women?
Take the knee to protest racism
Many soccer players are questioning its meaning after the controversy over the knee. Some people have praised this movement while others believe it's politically motivated. The protests were supported by the UEFA and soccer federations, presumably because they wish to promote soccer as a progressive and inclusive sport. The movement seems to be more about self-promotion and not real racism action.
England: The kneeling position
The political storm has been sparked by a protest by English footballers. Conservative politicians attacked the protest, claiming it was a political statement. But supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement say that it is a way of showing support. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the gesture should be allowed as long as people are 'free to express their views'.
Hungary: Kneeling down
While some England players have taken to the ground to protest racial injustices during soccer games, supporters of Hungary's national team have refused to do this in their games. Some Hungarian fans have also booed their team. Although it is unclear why the players chose to protest in this manner, Hungarian fans responded strongly to the protest.
Taking the knee in Colombia
The protesters in Colombia are not the only ones taking a knee. They were calling attention to the fact that they did not receive any support from the team, almost all of whom are Black. Instead of showing solidarity, they have been posting anodyne posts on social media.
FIFA 19: Take the knee
While the act of bending your knees is controversial in football, it is still a fundamental part of modern football. This technique was popular in the Premier League, and it has been used at the Euros. FIFA should be aware of this trend and implement it in their game.