Yarde condemns death threats aimed at Sale team-mates for not taking a knee

Marland Yarde has condemned death threats made to some of his Sale Sharks who opted not to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Every Sale player wore a t-shirt with 'Rugby Against Racism' on the front before a Premiership clash with Exeter Chiefs last Friday, with five taking a knee.

The Sharks' South African contingent remained on their feet, resulting in a backlash from their homeland.

South Africa's Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa called for an explanation as to why the likes of Faf de Klerk, twins Jean-Luc and Daniel du Preez and Lood de Jager did not take a knee.

Sale players have also come in for sickening online abuse and wing Yarde says that cannot be tolerated.

He tweeted: "I stand 100% for the Black Lives Matter movement and whole heartedly believe in the importance of highlighting the continuous battle that we face in society everyday and the need for a change.

"I have to also stand against death threats against my team-mates which is totally unacceptable. This behaviour will not make the world a better place. We are united we are a team!! #blacklivesmatter #rugbyagainstracism."

I stand 100% for the Black Lives Matter movement and whole heartedly believe in the importance of highlighting the continuous battle that we face in society everyday and the need for a change. I have to also stand against death threats against my teammates which... 1/2

— Marland Yarde (@YardeM) August 24, 2020

... is totally unacceptable. This behaviour will not make the world a better place. We are united we are a team!! #blacklivesmatter #rugbyagainstracism 2/2

— Marland Yarde (@YardeM) August 24, 2020