The German association DFB will not penalize players who have expressed support for George Floyd in the last round. Several players in the Bundesliga called for justice for the American who was killed by police violence during the Pentecost weekend.
Footballers are normally not allowed to express themselves politically, religiously or personally during a match. FIFA called on national federations on Tuesday to use “common sense” and not to issue penalties.
The German federation had started a preliminary investigation into four players who made a statement, but no penalties followed.
“Of course we have a duty to enforce the rules of FIFA and the DFB. But in this specific case where players expressed their support for anti-racism campaigns, we are not doing that,” said Anton Nachreiner, chairman of the German disciplinary committee. “This is a message the DFB also stands for.”
No penalties will be handed out in the coming weeks if players make another statement about Floyd’s death.
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Gladbach’s Marcus Thuram made a statement by kneeling on the field. (Photo: Pro Shots)
“Understanding and respecting this promotion”
Fritz Keller, chairman of the DFB, is pleased with the decision of the disciplinary committee. “We are resolutely against any form of racism, discrimination and violence. That is also stated in our statutes. We respect and understand the action of these players.”
The American Weston McKennie (Schalke 04), the Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, the Englishman Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), and the Frenchmen Marcus Thuram (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Anthony Modeste (1. FC Köln) made a statement in the Bundesliga last round. racism with lyrics on their clothes or by kneeling after a goal.
Earlier this week, Hungarian federation rebuked Ferencvaros player Tokmac Nguen, who after a goal scored the text “Justice for George Floyd“showed on his undershirt. That, according to the union, was the lowest possible sanction for showing a political statement.
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