Major League Soccer (MLS) has confirmed that it’s canceled five games in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake in the United States.
A terrible incident occurred on Sunday in Kenosha, Wisconsin, when Blake, a 29-year-old African American, was shot allegedly seven times by police officer Rusten Sheskey in the back as he opened his car door.
Blake is currently conscious and recovering in the hospital. His lawyers have stated, though, that he’s been left partially paralyzed and that a bullet damaged his spinal cord among other injuries.
The shooting has sparked a fresh wave of protests in America, with players and fans alike urging the MLS to cancel this week’s games in a display of support for the black community.
Jacob Blake’s sister *did* that. pic.twitter.com/TpEEWOI073
— Arlan 👊🏾 (@ArlanWasHere) August 26, 2020
And while the Orlando City-Nashville fixture went ahead on Wednesday evening, the MLS answered everybody’s wishes by canceling the last five matches that were scheduled.
“The entire Major League Soccer family is deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless shooting of Jacob Blake and events in Kenosha,” read a statement on the MLS’ Twitter account.
“We continue to stand with the black community throughout our country – including our players and employees – and share in their pain, anger, and frustration.
“The entire Major League Soccer family unequivocally condemns racism and has always stood for equality, but we need to do more to take tangible steps to impact change.
“We will continue to work with our players, our clubs, and the broader soccer community to harness our collective power to fight for equality and social justice.”
NBA and MLB games have also been called off in wake of the Jacob Blake shooting.
Impactful scenes overnight as MLS players follow their counterparts in NBA and refuse to play in protest at the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.
Five games were postponed and these were the scenes at Inter Miami vs. Atlanta Utd.
🎥: @ESPNFC pic.twitter.com/P1ejAG4hmC
— FotMob (@FotMob) August 27, 2020
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