Major League Soccer released a statement Tuesday reiterating a longstanding position supporting players’ right to peacefully protest during National Anthems before games.
“While fostering an environment of diversity, equality and inclusion, Major League Soccer stands by the ideals of freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest that are the hallmarks of the United States and Canada. If players or staff decide to stand, kneel or otherwise exercise their right to peaceful protest during the playing of the National Anthems before league games, we support them,” the statement read.
Three years ago, MLS Commissioner Don Garber sent a note to league staff supporting players’ freedom of expression after highly-publicized and criticized anthem protests by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and US women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe.
