Bayern Boss Hansi Flick Discusses Support for Black Lives Matter Protests Following Bayer Leverkusen Win

Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick spoke about the importance of the Black Lives Matter protests and his side showing solidarity with the movement, following their victory at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

The killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black American, by a white policeman in Minneapolis on 25 May sparked global outrage, with the Black Lives Matter movement coming to the fore on a universal scale.

Thousands assembled in Berlin and Munich to demonstrate against police brutality, while Bayern have been among several German clubs to publicly support the movement.

Prior to their clash with Leverkusen, players warmed up in t-shirts bearing both the Black Lives Matter hashtag and the slogan of the club's official 'Reds Against Racism' campaign.

“This action came from within the team, of course, I think it’s just excellent and also distinguishes the team by saying that we want to set an example. This is a clear statement from the club,” said Flick, after his side's 4-2 victory over Die Werkself to send them ten points clear - before Borussia Dortmund cut the deficit to seven - at the top of the Bundesliga.

“It’s extremely important in today’s world to keep pointing out what’s going wrong. That shouldn’t be happening anymore but unfortunately it’s still happening because there are still a lot of idiots who act in a different way,” he added.

Manuel Neuer also noted post-match: "We players always have to send a message. We are tolerant and we see no space in between. There’s no place for any of that.”

During the game, all Bayern players also wore black armbands bearing the words 'Black Lives Matter.'

Die Roten President Herbert Hainer also released a statement: "FC Bayern stands for a world in which racism, discrimination, hate, injustice and violence have no place. The death of George Floyd and the images from the USA have shocked us all," he said, as quoted by Sports Illustrated.

"It's a matter of actively and loudly showing our colours. Black Lives Matter and Reds Against Racism. We stand for togetherness that goes far beyond sports."

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund also warmed up in shirts supporting the protests, featuring slogans that read 'No Justice, No Peace'.

BVB star Jadon Sancho was booked last week for celebrating by removing his top to reveal a 'Justice For George Floyd' slogan on his undershirt. However, the German FA has since backed Sancho and other players who choose to take a stand.