Though NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently sent out a letter telling players that they should all stand for the national anthem, their protest is spreading worldwide. Before starting their game against Schalke on Saturday, members of the soccer team, Hertha Berlin all kneeled on the field. The team aimed to support the protests of the Nfl Players in light of America's social justice issues.

A team united

According to ABC news, the team's starting line up was joined by their coaches, substitutes, and officials who took a knee after the kickoff.

The team took to Twitter to spread its message, saying "Hertha BSC stands for tolerance and responsibility! For a tolerant Berlin and an open-minded world, now and forevermore!"

Over 50,000 people attended the game on Saturday. The stadium's announcer informed fans that the team would be kneeling in support of the NFL's protests, saying they "stand for diversity and against violence." The announcer addressed America's social injustices, telling fans that Berlin does not stand for discrimination.

Standing against racism

Although American officials like Vice President Pence aren't understanding NFL players' message, it is clear that Berlin does. The team's captain, Per Skjelbred, told reporters that the team wanted to take a stand against racism.

Colin Kaepernick was the player who started the protests last year when he was on the San Francisco 49ers. He has since not been picked up by any other teams, but his teammates and many others around the league continue his stand against social injustice by kneeling during the national anthem.

Sebastian Langkamp of Hertha Berlin called out many Americans for still living in the 18th century.

He says many people are "not that far ideologically yet." He told reporters that he hopes the team can teach these people who are living in the past something by spreading the protest worldwide.

Another player, Salomon Kalou, told reporters that the team was in complete agreement about kneeling on the field. All of Hertha Berlin wanted to show the NFL their unwavering support.

He said that as a team and as a city, they will always fight against injustices like racism.

He said that as a team and as a city, they will always fight against injustices like racism. Kalou also told reporters that there is no place in the world for racism, whether its sports or not.

Since Goodell's public letter to teams regarding a "new plan" for players to voice their thoughts on social injustices, there have been no new developments. Players have continued to kneel and its clear that their message is being heard all around the world.
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