The 22-year-old Thuram took a knee after scoring for Mönchengladbach in the 4-1 win over Union Berlin.

READ: Jadon Sancho joins 'Justice for George Floyd' protest

'You stay silent in the midst of injustice'

Meanwhile in F1, six-time world champion Hamilton also spoke out.

"I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice," said Hamilton.

"Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport.

"I'm one of the only people of color there yet I stand alone.

I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can't stand alongside us."

In a separate post Hamilton said: "I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but those who are protesting peacefully."

READ: F1 gets green light to start season with Austrian GP

'I'm with a heavy heart'

There was reaction, too, from the world of tennis.

On Instagram, US great Serena Williams posted a video in which a young African American child reveals how she feels she's treated differently to others due to her skin color.

Williams wrote, "I can't and still can't find the words to say or express how sad I feel ...