Protests against soccer have taken many forms over the years. Megan Rapinoe's kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 started a movement that spawned protests against racial injustice in sports and across society. In February, the United States national team announced that players would no longer kneel during the anthem. Before the game against Sweden, U.S. players stood while the anthem was being sung.
Canada Soccer's lack of explicit support for soccer protests
Canada Soccer's apparent indifference to the soccer protests has led many questions. Canada Soccer is unsure about Canada Soccer's position on transparency and accountability in its recruitment and funding processes. Does it want its players to be paid equally? Is it prepared to pay equal compensation to male and female players
As a sign of anti-racism, you can kneel.
Many soccer fans are now questioning the purpose of the knee. While some have praised the move, others believe it to be 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. However, it seems that the movement has become more about self-promotion than any real action against racism.
England: Taking the knee
A protest by English football players has created a political storm. Conservative politicians have condemned the practice, saying it is a political declaration and not a way to show support for racism. Black Lives Matter supporters say it's a way to show their support. 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 down
England players have taken a knee to protest racial inequalities during soccer games. Supporters of the Hungarian team, however, have not done so. Some supporters in Hungary have also booed the Hungarian national team. While it is unclear as to why the players protested this way, Hungarian fans showed strong reactions to the protest.
Colombians - Take the knee
The protesters in Colombia are not the only ones taking a knee. 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 been posting anodyne posts on social media.
Taking the knee in FIFA 19
Although it's a controversial move in football and is not a common practice, the knee is an integral part of modern football. It was used regularly in the Premier League this season, and has even been featured at the Euros. FIFA should consider this growing trend and incorporate it into the game.