Bundesliga players deserves applause not punishment: FIFA President


Bundesliga players deserves applause not punishment: FIFA President

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On Wednesday, Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, said that the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches, showed solidarity with George Floyd, deserve “applause and not a punishment”.

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Infantino said in a statement, “For the avoidance of doubt, in a FIFA competition the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches would deserve an applause and not a punishment.”

“We all must say no to racism and any form of discrimination. We all must say no to violence,” he added.

George Floyd, an African-American man passed away after having a knee pressed into neck by a police officer, Derek Chauvin, ‘Black lives Matter’ protests have intensified across the U.S and following the incident, protests erupted in Minneapolis and other U.S cities as well.

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During a win over Paderborn on Sunday, Borussia Dortmund duo Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi revealed ‘Justice For George Floyd’ message on their undershirt.

Marcus Thuram, Borussia Monchengladbach forward, also took a knee during a goal celebration as his side beat Union Berlin.

“FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of tragic circumstances of the George Floyd’s case,” said the football governing body, in a statement.

The statement added,”FIFA had repeatedly expressed itself to be resolutely against racism and discrimination of any kind and recently strengthened it’s own disciplinary rules with a view to helping to eradicate such behaviour.”

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FIFA further stated, ” The application of the Laws of the game approved by the IFAB is left for the competition organisers which should use common sense and have in consideration the context surrounding the events.” (ANI)