NASCAR has said it will ban fans from displaying the Confederate flag at its events in future.
The move comes amid the #BlackLivesMatter movement which has seen worldwide protests over the treatment of minorities, sparked by the death of George Floyd.
In an earlier statement, NASCAR said it “must do more” to address race relations within its sport.
In a following statement, it confirmed the ban on Confederate flag’s at its events, insisting they do not “run contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment”.
The issue was brought up by NASCAR’s only black driver, Bubba Wallace, who said the flag should have no place in the sport.
“The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry,” the statement reads.
“Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR Events and properties.”
NASCAR has also removed the following line from its guidelines when addressing the national anthem.
“When the flag is displayed all persons should face and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart… persons should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart… when the flag is not displayed… all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.”
