Players from all eight teams lined the field at UPEI in Charlottetown before Atletico Ottawa, and Cavalry FC kicked off on Thursday afternoon, showcasing their support in the fight against systemic racism.
On the 23rd August, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, 29-year-old Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by Kenosha Police Officers, an encounter that was captured on film by bystanders.
The fall out of yet another police shooting was vast, sparking further protests in Kenosha with a 17-year-old arrested, accused of a shooting incident which resulted in two people dead and one severely injured.
In an unprecedented moment in sport, games in the NBA, WNBA, MLB and MLS were postponed as some of the biggest names in global sports protested in the name of ‘Black Lives Matter’.
The Milwaukee Bucks, who were due to take on the Orlando Magic, refused to take to the court on Wednesday with the league announcing the cancellation of all three games scheduled for the 26th August.
Toronto’s playoff game against the Boston Celtics, due to tip-off on Thursday night, was also postponed though the NBA is due to resume its post-season on Friday or Saturday and the NHL postponed its games on Thursday and Friday and is scheduled to restart at the weekend.
Atletico Ottawa against Cavalry FC was the only match in the Canadian Premier League due to kick-off on Thursday and eyes were on the league and the players as to what they would do.
As opposed to postponing the game, a collective decision was made by the players to “keep the conversation going” as all 8 CPL teams took to the field on Thursday afternoon to stand in solidarity.
“Players have come together, and we are united” said York 9 FC’s forward Kyle Porter. “We are one, and we want to make a statement – not only to this league but to the world – that we’re fighting for equality.”
With the players from the two competing sides taking to the field for kick-off, everyone else moved to the far side of the artificial turf pitch and locked arms.
There they stood, wearing t-shirts marked with ‘Black Lives Matter’, until the clock ticked to 8 minutes and 46 seconds, when the referee blew her whistle, signalling for the game to stop - a reference to Geroge Floyd who died earlier this year.
All those present took a knee in unison - a powerful gesture against racial inequality and other social issues.
A night to remember for Atletico Ottawa but more importantly, for equality
It’s a day that will go down in history for the Ontarian side as they won their first CPL game, but football was to take a back seat for a cause that is more important than sport.
“I can say myself, I had a lot on my mind today, with all the tension that’s going on around the world, and at times it can be tough to separate the two – to separate the world and separate your work” Nathan Mavila, Cavalry FC fullback, said speaking after the game.
Cavalry FC Coach, Tommy Wheeldon Jr. was quick to dismiss the importance of the result in the grand scheme of social inequality, “there’s a lot of sadness out there, there’s a lot of hate that needs to be brought to justice, there’s a lot of social injustice and prejudice that’s not being addressed in parts of the world.”
Miguel Mista, Atletico Ottawa’s Head Coach, was delighted with his team’s performance after their first win.
“We’re extremely proud; we left it all on the field. We played some nice football, we played our football, and it means so much to get our first victory for our club,” the Spaniard stated through his translator.
“We’re a family that’s what we are.”
The 41-year-old former Atletico Madrid player said “it was emotional to see everyone out there”, emphasising that no matter where it is in the world “there is no place for racism”.
“I think the league, and all of us gave a clear statement of action.
“We’re extremely proud to be part of it.”
The CPL resumes on Saturday at 12pm Eastern Time as Valour take on FC Edmonton.