Nationals and Yankees kneel prior to Major League Baseball opener

Washington Nationals players kneeling prior to their MLB season-opener against the New York Yankees. (Photo / Getty)

Washington Nationals and New York Yankees players and coaches have banded together in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, prior to their Major League Baseball game.

The opening day of the revamped 2020 season began with the defending World Series champions the Nationals hosting the Yankees, in front of empty stands.

Following on-field introductions and just before the American national anthem, all players and coaches kneeled down in support of the movement.

After kneeling for 20 seconds, all stood up in unison for the Star-Spangled Banner.

Players and coaches held a piece of long black material which spanned the length of both baselines, while a video denouncing racism played.

Players donned apparel with Black Lives Matter motifs during batting practice, while Yankees manager Aaron Boone wore a T-shirt with the quote pre-game.

The video, black material and kneeling also featured prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers match against the San Francisco Giants.

It was not the first time the public saw their base-running heroes drop to the ground in protest. Teams had also been taking a knee during exhibition games prior to the season's start.

The country has been swamped by anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd back in May.

The MLB is one of many sports globally to have joined the cause, as well as the English Premier League and Formula One among others.

The Nationals were also able to raise their title-winning banner from last season.

The MLB season was originally due to start on March 27 (New Zealand time) but was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new season will run until late September before the post-season begins.