Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya shouted into a pitch-side microphone after scoring in his team's 5-1 win against DC United.
The 32-year-old scored a goal, celebrated with teammates and then raced for the corner of the field to grab a microphone.
"Congress, do something now. End gun violence!" Bedoya said. "Let’s go!"
Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya (11) celebrates after scoring a goal against the DC United. Source: AAP
The remarks follow back-to-back shootings - one in Texas and the other in Ohio - in the United States over the weekend.
The shooting targeting a supermarket in the Texas city of El Paso is believed to be the eighth deadliest in modern US history, reigniting the debate on gun laws.
Speaking after the game, Bedoya said the microphone grab has been a spur of the moment decision.
"I’m not going to sit idly and wait for things to happen 50 years from now — I want change now.
"One thing I’ll say is, more guns are not the freaking answer. So let’s see. Politicians are politicians, they’re backed by lobbyists and corporations, so there’s things [that] need to be done to change in the way this government is being run."
He condemned America's response to gun violence, saying his country is “the only civilised nation where this kind of gun violence happens”.
Union coach Jim Curtin and the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) said they supported Bedoya's right to free speech.
"[After] 250 shootings this year — I’m on his side," Curtin told reporters.
"It’s outrageous. Things need to change in this country, for sure, and I’ll support anyone who speaks their mind and is intelligent and informed on it, every time. That’s what Alejandro is. He’s passionate, he cares, and again, it’s a real issue in our country now that needs change."
MLSPA Executive Director Bob Foose said Bedoya had his full support.
"On this tragic weekend, on behalf of all MLS players I want to express my full support for @AleBedoya17’s exercise of free speech," he said in a message posted on Twitter.
"To paraphrase his post-game comments, before our members are soccer players, they are people."
