XtraTime Web Desk: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has supported the actions of Bundesliga players for showing their solidarity with George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking demonstrations and riots in the U.S. and beyond. In a statement released by the governing body of world football, it has condemned the incident that took place in Minneapolis.
According to FIFA President Infantino, “For the avoidance of doubt, in a FIFA competition the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches would deserve an applause and not a punishment.”
FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case.
FIFA had repeatedly expressed itself to be resolutely against racism and discrimination of any kind and recently strengthened its own disciplinary rules with a view to helping to eradicate such behaviour.
FIFA itself has promoted many anti-racism campaigns which frequently carry the anti-racism message at matches organised under its own auspices.
The application of the Laws of the Game approved by the IFAB is left for the competitions organisers which should use common sense and have in consideration the context surrounding the events.”
Borussia Dortmund duo Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi displayed ‘Justice for George Floyd’ messages when celebrating goals during a Bundesliga victory over Paderborn on Sunday while Weston McKennie sported an armband with the same message and Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring against Union Berlin.
The Football Association (FA) in England has suggested footballers will not face suspension if they protest the murder of George Floyd during matches. Several Premier League clubs have joined the calls for an end to racism, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle posting on social media images of players kneeling to show solidarity with the movement.