No public address audio, music or national anthem was played ahead of the FC Dallas and Nashville SC’s 0-0 draw in MLS (stream live on ESPN+ in the U.S.) on Sunday after poor weather delayed kick-off by more than three hours.
FC Dallas had announced earlier on Sunday that players would remain inside their locker rooms for the playing of the national anthem, though there was a moment of silence to promote racial equality.
“In consultation with our players and MLS, we have collectively decided to play the National Anthem before the players take the field for tonight’s match against Nashville SC,” the statement read. “Prior to the start of the game, there will be a moment of silence for the players, coaches and all in attendance to promote racial equality.”
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The move comes in response to a series of incidents before, during and after Wednesday’s match between the same two sides. In response to the choice of players to kneel in support of the Black Lives Matter movement for the national anthem, some fans booed the players while another threw a bottle at them. An FCD spokesperson said the perpetrator who threw the object was ejected.
After the match, FCD defender Reggie Cannon was interviewed and expressed his displeasure at the response of some fans as “absolutely disgusting.” He added that, “You can’t even have the support of your own fans in your own stadium. It’s absolutely baffling to me.”
Cannon was subsequently subjected to death threats and racists posts on social media, with MLS commissioner Don Garber and FCD owners Dan and Clark Hunt issuing statements in support of the player. Dallas fans also held up banners in support of Cannon and the Black Lives Matter movement at Sunday’s match.
Global pandemic. 3.5 hour rain delay. This fight will not be silenced.
Photo Credit: @Crooke86 pic.twitter.com/7fxPpZGbG3— DBG (@DallasGuardians) August 17, 2020
An FCD spokesperson told ESPN that there would be enhanced security measures for Sunday’s draw, though they declined to specify exactly what steps would be taken.
