As a protest of racial inequities in the U.S., the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas decided to not play their scheduled match Wednesday night in Texas.
The league released a statement 45 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time between the two clubs condemning racism and the shooting of Jacob Black by police in Kenosha, Wisc.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 26, 2020
The MLS player group Black Players For Change also released a statement on Twitter:
We fully support the actions today of our peers in @MLS, @NBA , @WNBA & @MLB . #MLSisBlack pic.twitter.com/n5iJAih4fV
— Black Players For Change (@BPCMLS) August 27, 2020
The protests began Wednesday when players from the Milwaukee Bucks opted to not take the court for their NBA playoff game. Two other NBA games scheduled for later in the day were also postponed soon after, and teams from other leagues, including MLB and WNBA, followed suit.
FC Dallas loves and supports our players. We join them in raising awareness for racial injustice against the Black community. pic.twitter.com/Bak0Lny8QL
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) August 27, 2020
In MLS, players from Miami and Atlanta stood together in solidarity for a moment at midfield before their scheduled match, then called the game off. Real Salt Lake, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders all protested their matches as well.
There were six games slated for Wednesday across the league, with Nashville and Orlando the only match that ended up getting played.
Colorado’s match was supposed to be the Rapids’ second game of an announced 18-game slate following the MLS is Back Tournament. Colorado is scheduled to host Sporting Kansas City on Saturday. Wednesday’s match in Dallas is officially listed as postponed, but there is no information yet on how or if this game will be made up at a later date.
