Footballer makes a striking statement

Berlin, June 1: Marcus Thuram joined an array of sporting personalities in protesting racism in the United States when he took a knee after scoring for Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Bundesliga against Union Berlin on Sunday.

Thuram’s gesture echoed past protests by National Football League players in the US in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The issue has surged back into the headlines following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Thuram’s gesture was the second protest in the Bundesliga this weekend.

The 22-year-old French striker continued his recent hot form with two goals as Borussia Moenchengladbach beat visiting Union Berlin 4-1.

Because of social distancing rules, goal celebrations were muted but after Thuram headed his team’s second goal just before half time he took the opportunity to make a solitary statement, kneeling and bowing his head. At half time, his club tweeted a photo with the caption: “No explanation needed.”

After the game, Gladbach coach Marco Rose said

Thuram had his backing. “Marcus has made the point. He has set an example against racism that we all support,” Rose said.

LeBRON, JORDAN LEAD PROTESTS IN THE US

NBA star LeBron James was among those who contrasted pictures of police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee on Floyd’s neck with the kneeling protests of former NFL star Colin Kaepernick in 2016. Kaepernick has launched a fund to pay for legal representation for protesters who need it.

Serena Williams, which had Coco Gauff in it too, tweeted a video, picking out the line: “Don’t pretend there’s not a problem in America.”

Basketball legend Michael Jordan too expressed anger. “I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry. I see and feel everyone’s pain, outrage and frustration. I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough. I don’t have the answers. We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice,” he said. — Agencies