Four Bundesliga players paid tribute this weekend on German courts to George Floyd, the 46-year-old African American who died after his arrest on Monday in Minneapolis.
The most spectacular gesture was that of Mönchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram. The son of the 1998 world champion Lilian Thuram knelt down to celebrate a goal. Just after the match, his club posted a photo of the player on his knees on the ground with his gaze turned to the ground on Twitter, with the caption in English: “No explanation needed”.
This gesture was popularized by NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who became a spokesperson for protests in the United States against police violence, especially against minorities of color. Father of Marcus (22), Lilian Thuram is now active in France in the fight against racism and discrimination.
Marcus Thuram scored twice in his team’s 4-1 victory over Union Berlin. It was after his first goal that he paid homage to George Floyd. Shortly after, Dortmund striker Jadon Sancho (20) displayed a “Justice for George Floyd” t-shirt, also after scoring a goal.
Author for his part of a hat-trick in Paderborn, Sancho celebrated his first goal by removing his jersey to reveal his tribute. The referee sanctioned him with a yellow card, in accordance with the rules. His teammate Achraf Hakimi only revealed a t-shirt with the same inscription after scoring 4-1, without removing his jersey.
On Saturday, it was the American Weston McKennie, of the Schalke 04 club, who wore an “Justice for George” armband. “Being able to use this forum to draw attention to a problem that has been going on for too long, it feels good !!!”, tweeted McKennie, 21, after the lost encounter at home (0-1) against Werder Bremen. “We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe it is time that we are heard! #Justiceforgeorgefloyd #saynotoracism,” he added.
ats, dpa
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