MLS players make powerful statement before return to play in Orlando

MLS — and soccer in general — has become a leading platform for social activity in sports.

The “MLS is Back” tournament kicked off in Orlando Wednesday night beneath the ongoing social justice protests in the United States. As seen in other sports leagues across the country and the globe, MLS showed its support for the movements at hand in a powerful way.

Inter Miami and Orlando City SC joined together before their match, along with the entirety of MLS, for a message of solidarity that demands to be seen.

https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1281024400305815552

Surrounding those in the match who were on a knee were players from all of the tournament’s teams, dressed in black and standing tall with their fists in the air. Players wore face masks saying “Black Lives Matter” and “MLS is Black,” beneath the shroud of a large screen with the hashtag of the latter.

Shirts had statements such as “Silence is Violence,” “I’m Black and I’m proud” and “Black all the Time,” all with the raised fist of the “Black Lives Matter” movement. That same message was featured on field-level barriers throughout the stadium.

MLS clearly stated “Black Lives Matter” with a passionate display on the Orlando pitch.

It is yet another example of sports’ ability to spread beyond boundaries and echo the need for social change. The impact of the display cannot be denied, with match commentator Jon Champion summarizing perfectly,

"“The emotions so clear. The symbolism so powerful … The message unambiguous, surely unarguable. The momentum for change building to the point where it will become irresistible.”"

We have seen the support in England and now it is especially prominent in the US. With this latest display, soccer has cemented its role as a contributor to the movements at hand, an especially important role to be played for one of the most racially troubled sports.