The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked riots around the country with more than 40 cities in lockdown.

Mr Gainey said people needed to know the history rather than thinking the unrest was caused by one specific incident.

"It has been going on for 400 years," he said.

"I think it's just come to a head because obviously in this day and age with social media you can actually see videos of what has been happening but nothing has ever been done with it.

"I think that people are just fed up with it. The last probably three killings of black people have just put people over the edge because it's a clear view of what has happened.

"These individuals are getting off."

Mr Gainey, a 300-game Big V player, said it was difficult to watch what was unfolding in his home country and he was in constant contact with family and friends.

"It's just an ongoing cycle," he said.

"They want justice for these individuals that have basically committed murder in broad daylight.

"I talk to my brothers and my mum, everywhere people are protesting. It's just in the major cities they get the notoriety and attention.

"Unfortunately you do get those people looting and rioting for the wrong reasons, but that is also what the media is portraying because I have many friends in plenty of states in America where it has been very peaceful.

"The news just shows people breaking into shops, looting and fighting with the cops. That's not everywhere, that's just headline news."

Originally from Colorado, Mr Gainey said growing up as a young black man systemic racism was part of everyday life.

"It has got worse, it was bad when I was growing up but it has got worse," he said.

"Half of the systemic racism is not filmed so you don't see it all. You can walk into a shop and people don't want you to go in there if you're black or of colour.

"It's an everyday thing.

"I've got children and I've never taught them colour. I just don't see how people can judge another person just because of the colour of their skin.

"It's disappointing and it's not right and hopefully it changes."

Mr Gainey said he hoped the protests would bring everlasting change to the United States.

"If this issue is out in the open and lots of people are watching it now hopefully it can affect some people's hearts to change or look at themselves in the mirror and say 'am I a part of this or do I not know about this'," he said.

"One of my friends said the people that don't know, don't want to know."