Hertha Berlin Players Kneel During German Anthem

The starting eleven for Hertha Berlin kneeled before their match against Schalke 04.
Hertha Berlin Players Kneel During German Anthem
Hertha Berlin Players Kneel During German Anthem /

The starting eleven and coaching staff for Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin took a kneel before their match against Schalke 04 on Saturday. 

The team's twitter said the team kneeled in the name of tolerance, responsibility, and a tolerant Berlin. 

It is unclear whether Hertha Berlin, currently 11th in the Bundesliga table, took a knee during the German national anthem or if it was not during the anthem, but just before kick off. 

Kneeling during the national anthem has been a topic of national debate across the United States after former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling to protest racial injustice. Since then, dozens of football players and other athletes have kneeled during the anthem.

"Berlin is colourful," the stadium announcer said, per ESPNFC. "Hertha BSC stands for diversity and against violence.

"For this reason, we are joining forces with the protest of our fellow American athletes to take a stand against discrimination.

"For a tolerant Berlin, both now and forevermore."

In September, U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines when he suggested that NFL owners should "fire" players who protest during the anthem and referred to protestors as "son of a b----."  


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