United States midfielder Weston McKennie displayed his support for George Floyd during Schalke’s Bundesliga defeat to Werder Bremen on Saturday, wearing an armband with the message “Justice for George.”
“To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on to long feels good!!!,” McKennie’s post-match tweet reads. “We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard! #justiceforgeorgefloyd #saynotoracism”
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 (@WMckennie) May 30, 2020
Floyd died in police custody this week and a video of his arrest – which has gone viral on social media showing a 44-year-old white officer, Derek Chauvin, subdued Floyd by placing his knee on his neck for a prolonged period until Floyd was rendered motionlessness.
The officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck, as Floyd pleaded “I can’t breathe”, has since been arrested and is facing murder and manslaughter charges.
The incident sparked demonstrations that have continued throughout the week in the city and across the nation, with 30 cities up in arms by Friday night.
McKennie has 19 appearances for the United States Men’s National Team and has been a member of FC Schalke since 2017.
