FC Dallas to play anthem before players take field following backlash
Los Angeles, Aug 16, 2020 (AFP) - FC Dallas said they would play the national anthem before players take the field for Sunday's Major League Soccer match with Nashville SC, after boos greeted players who took a knee on Wednesday.
Dallas defender Reggie Cannon, who is black, blasted the smattering of fans who jeered when players from both clubs opted to kneel during the anthem on Wednesday in protest of racial and social injustice in the United States.
"You can't even have support from your own fans in your own stadium. It's baffling to me," Cannon said.
His comments sparked vitriolic backlash on social media, prompting FC Dallas owner and MLS commissioner Don Garber to release statements in support of the player.
"As we have stated consistently over many years, Major League Soccer supports players and staff who protest peacefully on behalf of equality and social justice," Garber said.
"Some of the comments made on social media following the match were appalling. We want to be very clear that MLS will not tolerate any abuse or threats to any individual player or team who decides to exercise their right to peaceful protest during the playing of the national anthem or any other pregame ceremony."
Just over 5,000 people were allowed to attend Wednesday's match as Major League Soccer resumes play in team grounds after resuming play in the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando after their coronavirus shutdown.
FC Dallas said there would be a moment of silence before Sunday's game "for the players, coaches and all in attendance to promote racial equality."