Borussia Dortmund stars join Jadon Sancho in support of the Black Lives Matter movement

Borussia Dortmund‘s squad showed their solidarity with Jadon Sancho and the Black Lives Matter movement by taking a knee in training on Thursday.

England winger Sancho was one of the first big name sports stars to protest against the death of black man George Floyd, who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes in Minneapolis last week.

The former Manchester City star removed his shirt to display a ‘Justice for George Floyd’ message after scoring the first of three goals against Paderborn on Sunday.

Borussia Dortmund's stars take a knee in training to support the Black Lives Matter movement

Borussia Dortmund's stars take a knee in training to support the Black Lives Matter movement

Borussia Dortmund’s stars take a knee in training to support the Black Lives Matter movement

Jadon Sancho revealed a 'Justice for George Floyd' message after scoring on Sunday afternoon

Jadon Sancho revealed a 'Justice for George Floyd' message after scoring on Sunday afternoon

Jadon Sancho revealed a ‘Justice for George Floyd’ message after scoring on Sunday afternoon

Sancho’s team-mate, Achraf Hakimi, also showed off message after netting in the same game, but now the rest of the Dortmund squad have got involved in the fight against racism.

On Thursday, the Bundesliga giants posted a photo of their first-team players – including Sancho – taking a knee while spread out to create a heart shape at their training ground.

Alongside the powerful image, Dortmund tweeted: ‘We, Borussia Dortmund, fully support the #BlackLivesMatter Movement. 

‘We do not accept racism of any kind and will continue to work to make the world a better and more tolerant place.’

George Floyd's death last Monday has sparked widespread calls for justice across the US

George Floyd's death last Monday has sparked widespread calls for justice across the US

George Floyd’s death last Monday has sparked widespread calls for justice across the US

Achraf Hakimi (left) joined Sancho by revealed a t-shirts during Sunday's game at Paderborn

Achraf Hakimi (left) joined Sancho by revealed a t-shirts during Sunday's game at Paderborn

Achraf Hakimi (left) joined Sancho by revealed a t-shirts during Sunday’s game at Paderborn

Sancho was booked for removing his shirt during his celebration on Sunday, but the German FA have now confirmed that he – and all other Bundesliga players – are free to campaign against racism on the pitch without fear of being punished.

Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring against Union Berlin on Sunday, while Weston McKennie wore a band with Floyd’s name on around his arm for the duration of Schalke’s clash with Werder Bremen.

The DFB originally indicated that all four players may face sanctions for their actions, however it was confirmed on Wednesday that would not be the case.

Indeed, the German FA have moved to empower their players to continue to show their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Dr Anton Nachreiner, the chairman of the DFB control committee, said: ‘Of course, the DFB control committee always has the requirements of the FIFA football rules and the DFB regulations in mind.

Marcus Thuram takes a knee after scoring for Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend

Marcus Thuram takes a knee after scoring for Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend

Marcus Thuram takes a knee after scoring for Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend

Floyd's shocking death has sparked huge Black Lives Matter protests all over the world

Floyd's shocking death has sparked huge Black Lives Matter protests all over the world

Floyd’s shocking death has sparked huge Black Lives Matter protests all over the world

‘In the specific case, however, these are targeted anti-racism campaigns by the players, which are committed to values ​​for which the DFB also stands and always stands for. 

‘Therefore, no proceedings will be initiated, even with comparable anti-racism campaigns, in the next few weeks.’

Floyd’s death has sparked widespread protests throughout the United States and in countries other countries around the world, including the UK and France.  

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