On Wednesday, in the wake of Jacob Blake being shot seven times in the back and the murders that took place during the ensuing protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, MLS players and athletes across the nation used their platform to demonstrate against racial injustice by choosing not to play their scheduled games.
Five matches set to take place were postponed as players around the league stood in solidarity with their counterparts in the WNBA, NBA, and MLB to promote further action toward ending police violence against the Black community.
On Friday, in the hours before play resumes with a Saturday trip to play New York City FC, members of the Chicago Fire voiced their support for the decision by MLS players to not play on Wednesday.
“I think players taking this action is really great and we truly support it,” midfielder Micheal Azira said. “It’s a game which is supposed to bring people together. The more we do such things like that, we create more awareness out there. People can’t support us just on the field. We need more support off the field as well. I think it’s a great way to bring more awareness and more equality. We support them and we continue to stand with them."
"Whatever needs to be done, I think we need to do it to bring more equality in the game and in other peoples’ lives as well.”
Azira has been active in helping the Fire continue to shape its pledge to combat racism, bring about positive change, and identify the blind spots in the organization.
"It’s the best thing we can do, try to set an example on the things that happen in this country," captain Francisco Calvo said, via a translator. "I’m a foreigner, but it’s unacceptable to see how someone can shoot a guy seven times. It’s something that can’t happen again. We’re all equal. We’re all brothers. We’re all going to be together in this situation and anything that we as players want to do together, we’re going to support each other amongst ourselves. We have to make a change, and the only change is taking action because if not, people will never react."
“What’s going on in this country is unacceptable,” midfielder Brandt Bronico added. “What you saw earlier this week was players and teams backing each other for what we believe in, what is right, and what is just. I’m proud to be a part of this league and proud to be part of this team.”
Whether it’s choosing not to play or simply remaining vocal, head coach Raphael Wicky will continue to support actions taken by his players related to the issue.
"We have spoken to our players, and we fully support our players in whatever decision(they make),” he said. “If the players decide to not play, we stand behind them and support them. What happens in this country right now, I think it's unacceptable and things have to change. We are fully behind the players."
The Fire are scheduled to continue regular season play against NYCFC on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT (WGN-TV, ESPN+, 1200 TUDN).
