Players of Berlin kneel down prior to their Bundesliga match against Schalke in Berlin, Germany this morning (NZT). Photo / AP.
Hertha Berlin players took a knee in solidarity with American sports stars ahead of their Bundesliga game against Schalke on Saturday.
The whole team linked arms outside the centre circle and made the kneeling gesture shortly before kick-off, while substitutes and management replicated the move on the touchline.
In a
statement posted on their official Twitter feed, the club wrote: "Hertha BSC stands for tolerance and responsibility!
"For a tolerant Berlin and an open-minded world, now and forevermore! #TakeAKnee #hahohe".
The move follows a series of similar protests by NFL players against perceived racial injustice. Those actions have been criticised by United States President Donald Trump.
Last weekend, US vice-president Mike Pence walked out of a match between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers after a number of 49ers players took a knee during the pre-match national anthem.
