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NFL confirms Carolina home game

Mark MeadowsSeptember 22, 2016

The Carolina Panthers had been considering moving Sunday's home duel with the Minnesota Vikings due to civil unrest in Charlotte. But after talks with the NFL and police, the game is to go ahead as scheduled.

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USA 50. Super Bowl 2016
Image: Reuters/S. Lam

Violent clashes in the North Carolina city following the fatal police shooting of a black resident had threatened to impact professional sports as well.

At least nine people were injured and 44 people were arrested on Wednesday night - the second night of violence in Charlotte. Four police officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries, city officials said.

The NASCAR motorsports Hall of Fame was among the buildings that were damaged in the trouble, which prompted the authorities to consider whether it was safe to hold Sunday's National Football League game.

After discussions with police, local government and both teams, the NFL announced that, as things stand, the game will be played in Charlotte.

Carolina reached the Super Bowl last season thanks to dynamic quarterback Cam Newton but were beaten by the Denver Broncos.

The issue of racial tension in the United States has already affected the NFL in a high profile way this season.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has refused to stand for the national anthem before games in protest against the plight of blacks in the US

He has bee heavily criticized by many Americans on social media but has also found a lot of support.

He revealed on Wednesday that he has received death threats because of his boycott.