Footballers in England are unlikely to face any disciplinary action for taking the knee or other peaceful anti-discrimination protests if matches are able to resume this month.

The Football Association has said it will adopt a "common sense approach" to interpreting the laws of the game around political gestures, slogans and statements if there are any examples of players or staff supporting the #BlackLivesMatter cause.

The death of George Floyd, killed when a white police officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis last week, has provoked demonstrations and condemnation in the United States and the wider world.

Sports stars – including Lewis Hamilton, who said on Tuesday he has been "completely overcome with rage" at what has been unfolding – clubs and governing bodies have shown solidarity with the cause and the FA has indicated its understanding of individuals wanting to protest.

"The FA strongly condemns discrimination of any kind and has endeavoured to ensure that football in England is both diverse and inclusive in recent years," a statement from the governing body read.

"Where any behaviours or gestures on the pitch that may constitute a breach of the Laws of the Game have to be assessed, they would be reviewed on a case by case basis with a common sense approach and understanding of their context.

"The power of football can break down barriers across communities and we remain deeply committed to removing all forms of discrimination from across the game we all love."

Six-time Formula One world champion Hamilton wrote on his social channels on Tuesday afternoon: "This past week has been so dark. I have failed to keep hold of my emotions. I have felt so much anger, sadness and disbelief in what my eyes have seen.

A letter signed by CGF president Louise Martin and chief executive David Grevemberg read: "Right now, we are faced with managing the impact of a global pandemic and the pain, anger and sadness resulting from the tragic and brutal killing of George Floyd. Both raise the familiar spectres of inequality, racism and injustice into our hearts and homes and our wider communities.

"The world of sport cannot be an observer. A Games, a match, a season does not happen in a vacuum. Silence or the status quo cannot be an option.

"It is our passionate belief that athlete advocacy and activism humanises, rather than politicises, sport.

"We must use our voices and continually seek to reduce inequalities and build peaceful communities."

The chair of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, Sanjay Bhandari, said Premier League players taking the knee as a mark of protest would be "a powerful image".

Chelsea and Newcastle players were among those who took the knee during training sessions on Tuesday.

Newcastle defender DeAndre Yedlin, a US international, posted a series of tweets on the situation in his home country.

"Every American needs to ask themselves, is there 'liberty and justice for all' and if their answer is yes, then they are part of the problem. In no way are we asking black lives to matter more than white lives," he wrote.

"All we're asking is we are seen as equal, as more than 3/5 of a man, as humans. My heart goes out in solidarity to George Floyd, his family, and all of the countless number of victims that have had their lives taken at the hands of meaningless police brutality."

Floyd Mayweather's promotion company confirmed the former five-division world boxing champion has offered to pay for George Floyd's funeral expenses.