There has been much talk about soccer players taking a knee while the national anthem is being played. Protests have taken place in multiple places, including the one in Brazil. Despite all the controversy, some players still play and others resort to yarmulkas.
"Shameful," is taking a knee during a national anthem.
Many people have voiced their disapproval at NFL players kneeling during the national song. Some believe that kneeling is an insult to the American flag. Some say it is disrespectful of the American flag. Others claim that it shows patriotism. It doesn't matter what your position is on kneeling.
Proponents claim that it is important to highlight the police brutality against people of color. It is a way to defy the government and voice disapproval, despite its flaws. It draws attention to the issue, puts pressure on the US government, and helps build community solidarity.
Canadian soccer players meet after protest
Canadian soccer players are calling on the Canadian Federation to investigate recent reports of sexual abuse among its members. The Canadian team will take on the Football Ferns of New Zealand Saturday in Ottawa.
Canada Soccer cancelled a friendly against Iran in June. They also agreed to cancel an internationally contested match with Panama. Players say the cancellation of the Panama match was caused by 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 players who wore yarmulkas
UEFA has instituted stricter sanctions against teams that abuse its rules on racial disparity. The new rules take effect on the 1st of June. Legia Warsaw will face FC Steaua Bucuresti on that day in the UEFA Champions League playoffs. The Polish side has already been banned for racism after their supporters chanted anti-Semitic chants during a game against Borussia Dortmund.
The Yarmulka is a traditional head scarf worn by Muslim men. The flag of the national team is often embroided on it. This type of head covering indicates the player's national team, as defined by FIFA rules. A player may have more than 1 non-FIFA country.
Protests against the World Cup in Brazil
Protests for the World Cup are taking place in Brazil. There are thousands of protestors who have taken to the streets of several cities. Protests focussed on the high price of stadiums, corruptions, police brutality, and evictions. Protesters have asked the government for the money to be spent on infrastructure and social programs.
Protesters claim that the World Cup money should be spent on basic public service. They also demand better education, and better medical services.
Protests against the United States' anthem in Tokyo Olympics by women
In July, the U.S. women's soccer team took a knee before the opening game of the Olympics. 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 people were surprised by the timing of the Eugene anthem, which coincided with the track & field podium ceremony. But it did stir up political debate about the right to free speech at the Olympic Games. Although there are no rules that prohibit certain forms of protest, some members the international community, such as the IOC, have voiced their disapproval.