In recent years, soccer protests have taken many forms. Megan Rapinoe kneeling during 2016's national anthem started a movement to protest racial injustices in sports and in society. In February 2016, the United States national team stated that players would not be allowed to kneel during anthem. Before the game against Sweden, U.S. players stood while the anthem was being sung.
Canada Soccer's inability expressly to support soccer protests
Canada Soccer's refusal to support the soccer protests has raised a host of questions. Canada Soccer has many questions. For instance, how does it feel about transparency in funding and recruitment. Does Canada Soccer want equal pay for its players? Is it willing to offer equal compensation to men and women players?
Take the knee to protest racism
Many soccer fans are now questioning the purpose of the knee. Some praise the movement, while others think it is 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. It seems that the movement is more about self-promotion rather than real anti-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. Black Lives Matter supporters insist that the gesture is meant to be a way of supporting their cause. Boris Johnson the Prime Minister has stated that the gesture should remain permissible as long as people are allowed to voice their opinions.
Hungary: Kneeling in Hungary
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 supporters in Hungary have also booed the Hungarian national 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
Colombian protesters are not the only ones kneeling. 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 posted anodyne messages via social media.
FIFA 19: Take the knee
The controversial move of taking the knee in football is still common. However, it is an important part of modern football. This technique was popular in the Premier League, and it has been used at the Euros. FIFA should recognize this growing trend, and implement it into its game.