ASTON VILLA and Sheffield United players took a knee showing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
The two teams are competing in the first game of Project Restart following the season been suspended due to coronavirus.
Players from both teams took the knee in support of Black Lives MatterCredit: AFP
The players shewed their support for the movement ahead of kick-off at Villa ParkCredit: Andy Hooper
And following the death of George Floyd in America, protests have been going on throughout the world.
Floyd died after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes when apprehending him.
Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder.
The Premier League, after discussing with players, decided to remove names from the shirts and replace with “Black Lives Matter”.
Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish led his players into taking the knee during the first game post-coronavirusCredit: Reuters
It was a sombre moment as the officials joined the players in the historic gestureCredit: Andy Hooper
The game was paused as the players took the knee at Villa ParkCredit: Reuters
And before the game at Villa Park players from both teams wore T-Shirts supporting the movement and spreading the message.
During a water break in the first half players took the knee in solidarity.
Manchester City superstar Raheem Sterling has recently said “now is the time to act” against racism.
Speaking to Gary Neville on Sky Sports News, the 25-year-old said: “I feel like I am speaking for most black people. Everyone is tired.
“A lot of people have been screaming for help in society.
“With the protesting in America transferring to the UK, you know a lot of people have been in silence.
“Now they are not just trying to get answers, but also to change in society.”
Sterling, 25, has suffered abuse himself.
He added: “It is for people like myself, who have a platform, to try to spark change. Now is the time we have to act.”
Thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters join peaceful rallies across UK
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
