MLS Players Hold Powerful Black Lives Matter Demonstration Before Game

Major League Soccer on Wednesday made its return in Orlando, Fla., but one of the biggest stories emerged before the game kicked off.

Prior to Orlando City’s thrilling 2-1 win over Inter Miami, Black players participating in the MLS Is Back Tournament joined Orlando and Miami players on the field and stood together for a powerful Black Lives Matter demonstration.

The soccer players held a moment of silence, either kneeling or with their fist raised in the air, for eight minutes and 46 seconds to pay tribute to George Floyd, a Black man murdered by a white Minneapolis police officer, sparking national outrage and protesting.

Some players wore shirts with messages like “silence is violence” and “black and proud” during the silent protest.

Check out scenes from the moving demonstration:

Respect to the MLS for organizing this.

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