George Floyd protests given huge boost as football authorities soften stance on athlete activism

Rarely has a rule looked so incongruous with the current political climate. 

The International Football Association Board, the sport's rule-makers, prohibits all players from showing "any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images" during a game.

Notwithstanding, Borussia Dortmund wonder-kid Jadon Sancho and three other Bundesliga stars were righteously aggrieved when reports emerged that they could face punishment for taking a firm stance against racism on the pitch. 

As a nod to the tragic death of a black American man in police custody that has resonated around the world, Sancho lifted his jersey to reveal a handwritten "Justice for George Floyd" message on his undershirt after scoring on Sunday. 

His teammate Achraf Hakimi and Schalke 04's Weston McKennie performed similar stunts, while Borussia Moenchengladbach's Marcus Thuram took a knee, evoking memories of former NFL player Colin Kaepernick's signature gesture in protest against police brutality.

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