There has been much talk about soccer players taking a knee while the national anthem is being played. Multiple protests have occurred, and protests in Brazil have caused quite a stir. Despite the controversy, some players continue to play, and some have resorted to yarmulkas.
"Shameful" to kneel during the national anthem
Many have criticised NFL players for kneeling during national anthem. Some believe that kneeling is an insult to the American flag. Others believe that kneeling is an act of patrioticism. No matter what your stance is on kneeling it's wrong.
Proponents believe it is necessary for people of color to be aware of police violence. While there are flaws to the movement, it is one of the most effective ways to express defiance against the government's ignorance. It raises public awareness, places pressure on the US government, builds community solidarity, and is a powerful tool for promoting defiance.
Canadian soccer players join federation to discuss protest
A group of Canadian soccer players have called on the Canadian federation to investigate recent reports about sexual abuse among its members. The Canadian team will take on the Football Ferns of New Zealand Saturday in Ottawa.
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 that the Panama match was cancelled due to a contract dispute. Canada Soccer's decision to cancel the match was not made clear to the players. The players are waiting for the federation's response to their concerns before they can resume training.
UEFA sanctions Legia Warsaw's players for wearing yarmulkas
UEFA has instituted stricter sanctions against teams that abuse its rules on racial disparity. The new rules go into effect on June 1. On that day, Legia Warsaw will play against FC Steaua Bucuresti in the UEFA Champions League play-offs. After anti-Semitic chants by their supporters in a match against Borussia Borussia Dortmund, the Polish side was already banned.
The Yarmulka head scarf is worn by Muslim men. The flag of the national team is often embroided on it. This head covering is used to indicate the national team of the football player as per FIFA rules. But, players can have more than one non FIFA country.
Protests against the World Cup in Brazil
Protests over Brazil's World Cup are underway. Many protestors have taken to streets in multiple cities. Protests focus on high costs of stadiums, corruption and police brutality as well as evictions. Protesters are calling on the government to spend the money instead on social projects and infrastructure.
Protesters argue that the World Cup money will be better used to fund basic public services. They demand improved education and medical services.
Protests of women in the United States against the anthem at the Tokyo Olympics
The U.S. female soccer team took a knee prior to the opening match of the Olympics in July. They were participating in a planned demonstration against racism, discrimination. Even though they lost the game to the other team, some social-media users mocked them for kneeling.
The timing of the anthem in Eugene, Oregon, coincided with the track and field podium ceremony, and a protest of this magnitude did not go unnoticed by many. It did spark political debate over the right to free speech at Olympic Games. 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.