Recent years have seen many soccer protests. Megan Rapinoe, who kneeled during the 2016 national anthem, started a movement that led to other protests against racism in sport and society. In February, the United States team declared that no player would continue to kneel during the national anthem. Prior to a game against Sweden the U.S. national team announced that players would no longer kneel during the anthem.
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 has many questions. For instance, how does it feel about transparency in funding and recruitment. Are they willing to pay their players equally? Are they willing to pay equal compensation for male and female players?
As a sign of anti-racism, you can kneel.
Many soccer players are questioning its meaning after the controversy over the knee. Some praise the movement, while others think it is politically motivated. The protests were supported in part by the UEFA as well as soccer federations. This is presumably because they want soccer to be seen as a progressive and inclusive game. The movement seems to be more about self-promotion and not real racism action.
England: The kneeling position
Protests by English footballers have sparked a political storm. Conservative politicians have attacked the practice, saying that it is a political statement and that it is not a way of showing opposition to racism. Black Lives Matter activists say it is a way for them to show their support. Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has stated that such gestures should be allowed provided people are free to express their opinions.
Hungary: Kneeling in Hungary
England's soccer players have protested racial inequality by taking a knee at games. However, Hungarian supporters have refused to do the same during their matches. The team has been booed by some supporters in Hungary, as well. Although it isn't clear why the players chose this route, Hungarian fans have reacted strongly to the protest.
Colombians taking the knee
Colombian protesters were not the only ones to take a knee. They are calling out the lack of support from the national team, which is almost entirely Black, and have been protesting. Instead of expressing solidarity, players have been posting anodyne comments on social media.
FIFA 19: The kneeling position
The controversial move of taking the knee in football is still common. However, it is an important part of modern football. This move was regularly used in the Premier League and even featured at the Euros. FIFA should take note of this growing trend and implement it into the game.