Liverpool squad take a knee in support of Black Lives Matter movement

Liverpool players took a knee and posted a message of unity and support for the Black Lives Matter movement on Monday after a week of protest for racial justice in the U.S.

As more and more athletes have spoken up in calls for racial justice, Liverpool, the reigning European Champions and presumptive English Premier League champions made a public show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement on Monday.

After a week of protests across the U.S. following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the entire Liverpool squad took a knee around the center circle at Anfield’s. The players then posted the photo to social media with the message: “Unity is strength #BlackLivesMatter”.

https://twitter.com/GWijnaldum/status/1267453932776886272

Liverpool’s team-wide statement comes after a weekend in the German Bundesliga where four black players from different countries made statements in support of Black Lives Matter and the Justice for George Floyd movement.

First, American midfielder Weston McKennie wore an armband that said “Justice for George Floyd” during Schalke’s match on Saturday.

After the match, McKennie tweeted: “To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on to long feels good!!! We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard! #justiceforgeorgefloyd #saynotoracism”

Then on Sunday, French forward Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring for Borussia Monchengladbach.

https://twitter.com/MarcusThuram/status/1267158962627059714?s=20

Borussia Dortmund’s English forward Jadon Sancho and Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi both displayed “Justice for George Floyd” shirts after scoring on Sunday.

https://twitter.com/Sanchooo10/status/1267187276326547457?s=20

https://twitter.com/AchrafHakimi/status/1267175268650831872?s=20

Premier League clubs have returned to full-contact training after a vote last week that approved a June 17th return to play. Liverpool are 25-points clear of second-place Manchester City atop the table. Liverpool need to win two of their final nine matches to seal the title.