Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie has accused Donald Trump of being a racist and criticized the US president for his behavior following the death of George Floyd, which has sparked protests around the world.
Floyd, who was buried Monday, died when a white policeman kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the end of May.
The death, caught on video, has sparked waves of protests in cities across the US and around the world.
Trump has adopted a tough approach to putting down the protests in US cities and voiced his support for the police at a round table on law enforcement at the White House Monday.
McKennie, who was born in Texas, wore an armband demanding "Justice for George" in Schalke's first league game following the death of Floyd.
French player Marcus Thuram and England international Jadon Sancho also called for justice for Floyd after scoring goals in the Bundesliga.
Last weekend, some Bundesliga clubs, including Schalke, showed solidarity with the global protests by dropping to one knee before their matches.
McKennie said he feels it is important for sportsmen and women to draw attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, which has also been supported by a host of US sports stars.
US goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who is on loan from Manchester City at Bundesliga side Fortuna Duesseldorf this season, agrees that sports stars should use their platform to speak out.
