JAKARTA - Jadon Sancho and other Bundesliga stars who displayed anti-racism messages in support of the late George Floyd will not face punishment from the German Football Association (DFB).
Floyd, a black American, was murdered to death after strangling the knees of Minneapolis police last week. This incident sparked demonstrations and riots throughout the United States and beyond.
Jadon Sancho and his Borussia Dortmund partner Achraf Hakimi each displayed a T-shirt reading "Justice for George Floyd" in their win over Paderborn on Sunday.
First professional hat trick 🙏🏼. A bittersweet moment personally as there are more important things going on in the world today that we must address and help make a change. We have to come together as one & fight for justice. We are stronger together! ❤️ #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/ntOtwOySCO
- Jadon Sancho (Sanchooo10) May 31, 2020
Marcus Thuram of Borussia Monchengladbach previously knelt down after scoring in the win over Union Berlin, while Schalke's United States international Weston McKennie wore an armband referring to Floyd.
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 pic.twitter.com/TRB1AGm0Qx
- Weston McKennie (WWMckennie) May 30, 2020
Such statements or protests on the ground are strictly prohibited and the DFB confirmed after the weekend match they will examine the incident.
Until Justice, Black Lives Matter. ✊🏽 #BlackOutTuesday! 🖤 pic.twitter.com/b38xUM7Bs0
- Jadon Sancho (@ Sanchooo10) June 2, 2020
However, FIFA then asked the league to "use common sense" on the matter, before president Gianni Infantino said the players deserved applause, not punishment.
The DFB confirmed on Wednesday it would not take any action against an "anti-racism message", while further demonstrations related to racism and Floyd's death would not be punished either.
Anton Nachreiner, chairman of the DFB control body, said: "It goes without saying that the DFB control body always adheres to FIFA and DFB rules.
"" But in this particular case, it is a deliberate act of anti-racism by the players, thereby promoting values that the DFB wants to uphold, "
Chairman of the DFB Control Agency Anton Nachreiner
"So no action will be taken now, or in the case of further anti-racism demonstrations over the coming weeks."
DFB President Fritz Keller added: "I welcome the decision from the DFB control body and am very pleased with it.
"The DFB opposes all forms of racism, discrimination and violence, and stands behind tolerance, openness and diversity - all values that are also embedded in DFB legislation.
"That's why the actions of the players earn our respect."
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