This weekend, members of Berlin’s Hertha BSC soccer team gathered before a game, linked arms and knelt midfield.
In a tweet explaining their motives, the team said that their franchise “stands for tolerance and responsibility! For a tolerant Berlin and an open-minded world, now and forevermore!”
They also included the hashtag “TakeAKnee,” which was sparked following widespread demonstrations during the national anthem before NFL games. The protests were started by (now-free agent) quarterback Colin Kaepernick to raise awareness about racial injustice and to protest police brutality.
Hertha BSC stands for tolerance and responsibility! For a tolerant Berlin and an open-minded world, now and forevermore! #TakeAKnee #hahohe pic.twitter.com/spZvRSGVxQ
— Hertha Berlin (@HerthaBSC_EN) October 14, 2017