US women unite for protests

PLAYERS from Washington Spirit and Gotham FC halted play on Thursday, leading protests against sexual misconduct scandals that have swept across the National Women’s Soccer League in recent weeks.

NWSL games resumed on Thursday with three fixtures after the league called off games last weekend following the latest revelations to hit the top professional women’s league in the United States.

Washington and Gotham players halted play in the sixth minute in what was described as a gesture of “solidarity” by the NWSL Players Association, and similar protests followed at games between North Carolina Courage and Racing Louisville in Cary, North Carolina, and between Portland Thorns and Houston Dash.

“Tonight, we reclaim our place on the field, because we will not let our joy be taken from us,” the NWSLPA statement read.

Spirit and Gotham players joined arms on the centre-circle for the pause in play.