There has been much debate about soccer players kneeling during national anthem. There have been multiple protests, and the protests in Brazil have caused a stir. Despite all the controversy, some players still play and others resort to yarmulkas.
"Shameful," is taking a knee during a national anthem.
Many people criticize NFL players for kneeling while they sing the national anthem. Some say that kneeling is a disrespect to the American flag. Others argue that kneeling is disrespectful to the flag. It doesn't matter how you feel about kneeling.
Proponents say that it is necessary to highlight police violence against people of color. While the movement has flaws, it is the most effective way to demonstrate defiance and dissent against government ignorance. It draws attention to the issue and puts pressure on US government.
After protest, Canadian soccer players meet with the federation
Canadian soccer players have asked the Canadian federation for an investigation into recent reports regarding sexual abuse of its members. The Canadian soccer team will be facing the Football Ferns of New Zealand at Ottawa on Saturday. They are "deeply disturbed by these recent reports" and have written to senior officials of the federation.
Canada Soccer has cancelled its friendly match against Iran in June, and has agreed to cancel an international match between Panama and Canada. Players claim the Panama match was cancelled as a result of a contract disagreement. Canada Soccer did not make a decision prior to the match, which frustrated the players. Players are waiting for the federation to resolve their concerns and resume training.
UEFA sanctions Legia Warsaw's players for wearing yarmulkas
UEFA has imposed stricter sanctions on teams that abuse the rules against racial discrimination. The new rules go into effect on June 1. Legia Warsaw will be playing FC Steaua Bucuresti that day in the UEFA Champions League finals. After anti-Semitic chants by their supporters in a match against Borussia Borussia Dortmund, the Polish side was already banned.
The Yarmulka, a traditional head-scarf worn by Muslim men, is known as the Yarmulka. It is often embroidered with the national team's flag. This type of head covering indicates the player's national team, as defined by FIFA rules. However, a player may also hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Brazil protests World Cup
Protests are ongoing in Brazil over the World Cup. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in many cities. The protests center on the high costs of stadiums and corruption as well as police brutality and evictions. Protesters want the government to invest the money in infrastructure and social projects.
Protesters argue that the World Cup's money can be better spent on basic services. Protesters are also calling for better education and healthcare.
United States women's anthem protests in Tokyo Olympics
The U.S. Women's Soccer Team took a knee just before the Olympics opened in July. They were part of a pre-planned demonstration against racism and discrimination. They lost the game but some social media users mocked their kneeling.
Many were aware that the Eugene, Oregon anthem was timed to coincide with the track and fields podium ceremony. However, it caused a political debate about whether the Olympic Games allow free speech. While there is no law that prohibits certain types of protests from being held, some members in the international community (including the IOC) have voiced their opposition.