Ray Gaddis joins protest in Indianapolis, Union teammates speak out about the killing of George Floyd

As protests have broken out across America and the world in response to the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis last week, Philadelphia Union players have weighed in, and in the case of Ray Gaddis, participated.

Gaddis, who has been excused from rejoining the team for individual training sessions in Delaware, documented protests in Indianapolis over the weekend via photos and videos on his Instagram.

‘’I promise to continue to use my voice and my platform regarding the continual injustice displayed in America for African Americans,” he wrote.

“I was glad to march and participate in a die-in for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in solidarity with fellow clergymen and women protesting not only the death of George Floyd but also those who have been slain unrightfully for years without justice.’’

He shared videos on his story where a group of protesters around him can be heard shouting: ‘’No justice! No peace!’’

Gaddis also talked about the rioting and violence that has taken place.

“I encourage African Americans and all people not to succumb to the temptation of violence in the midst of the continual struggle for injustice,” he wrote on Twitter. “What we say, what we do, and how we act gives birth for the change we want to see right now and for the next generation.’’

Club captain Alejandro Bedoya expressed his thoughts on Twitter.

‘’To remain silent is to be complicit,” he wrote. “We cannot continue to tolerate the blatant racism and injustices that are occurring in our country. I stand & mourn with people of color whose communities have been affected. Thank you Philly for the support!’’

Defender Mark McKenzie shared a message on Instagram.

‘’My name is Mark McKenzie,” he wrote. “I’m a black man and proud of it to the core. I’m a human and deserve every bit of respect as my counterparts. I’m a son. I’m a brother. I’m an athlete. I’m a student. I’m a contributing member of society. And there is no reason why the pigment of my skin justifies whether or not my life is of equal value to another. I love who I am, I love my culture, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.’’

The Union released a statement on social media on Monday.

“Racism and hatred of any form is entirely unacceptable, now or ever,” the statement read. “The black community and people of color in Philadelphia and throughout this country deserve dignity and respect. As a diverse organization started by our community and committed to our community, we will continue to look for new and more powerful ways to use our voice to support anyone experiencing injustice and prejudice of any kind. We must, and we will, find actionable ways to learn, to love, to respect, and to build each other up. We will not tolerate social injustice and remain committed to working towards solutions to eliminate it from the city and country we love.”

In Germany, Bundesliga soccer players used the sport to share their messages. American and Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie was seen wearing an armband that read: ‘’Justice for George Floyd.’’

Borussia Dortmund players Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi took off their shirts after scoring goals on Sunday and pointed at their undershirts with the same ‘’Justice for George Floyd” message. Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram took a knee after finding the net against Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Sunday.