Uefa has been accused of “shallow virtue signalling” over its handling of LGBT+ issues at Euro 2020 after blocking a request to light up the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours.
Ahead of Germany’s match against Hungary on Wednesday, the mayor of Munich had planned a gesture of solidarity after Viktor Orban’s government passed a law banning LBGT+ content in schools or in TV shows for under-18s.
The cities of Munich, Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt are planning to defy Uefa’s ruling and put on displays of support regardless.
Hungary’s legislation was passed on the same day that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted with a homophobic banner by fans at the Ferenc Puskas stadium in Budapest.
Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian foreign minister, hit back at German opposition to the new law describing it as “harmful and dangerous when anyone tries to mix politics and sports”. Hungarian football journalist Tomasz Mortimer said that this is in line with the wider approach of Fidesz, the country’s ruling party.
“The reception from the Hungarian government has been typical of what we’ve come to expect from Fidesz,” Mortimer explained.
“When Hungarian policy is criticised abroad, especially from countries in the EU, the propaganda machine goes into overdrive.”
Uefa also launched an investigation (which has since been dropped) into Manuel Neuer after the Germany goalkeeper wore a rainbow armband during their earlier Group F matches.
Stonewall FC, Britain’s most high-profile gay football team, commended Neuer and the German FA, praising their “allyship”, but told i it was “concerning that this show of solidarity was felt to warrant an investigation in the first place”.
“LGBTQ+ people face violence and discrimination on a daily basis and we know that football is a microcosm of society,” a Stonewall FC spokesperson said. “What’s important, is that that governing bodies both understand and use their huge influence, to proactively work hard to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people have access to and feel safe watching and playing the game we love.”
An Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed by Uefa to look into “potential discriminatory incidents” in Hungary’s two matches so far, with reports also emerging of alleged racist chanting in the draw with France. Before that game, a large crowd marching to the stadium also unfurled a banner opposing players at Euro 2020 taking the knee.
Uefa has been accused of failing to take a firm enough line, including by England’s LBGT+ fan group 3LionsPride. “Uefa will tout themselves as supporters of equality and rainbow-wash their brand when it suits them, but rarely proactively engage or make improvements for LGBT+ people involved in the game,” spokesperson Joe White told i.
“LGBT+ people across the game are not able to enjoy football when they have to face hatred in stadia and online. If it’s true that Uefa threatened to move the final of the Euros to Hungary [Uefa have since said they had ‘no plans to change the venue’], this shows their claims to support equality and freedom to enjoy football as nothing more than shallow virtue signalling.
“It’s clear that Uefa once again has its head firmly buried in the sand and is no ally of the LGBT+ community. Until Uefa start taking serious action against discrimination, the beautiful game is once again allowing its ugly side to rear its head.”
Uefa had proclaimed Euro 2020 as “tournament for everyone” and used the slogans of the “EqualGame” campaign. The official Twitter account of European football’s governing body also wrote that it was “unfortunate” that some members of the LBGT+ community “don’t feel included or welcome within football. We think it’s important to remind them that they absolutely are. This is everyone’s game.”
England will play a World Cup qualifier in Hungary on 2 September and it is also possible the two teams could meet in the last-16, depending on how the draw pans out.
“Hungary has a number of issues regarding LGBT+ inclusion and this new law further exacerbates the rising concerns for LGBT+ across Europe and the world,” White added. “Hatred has no place in the beautiful game or society.”
Denmark international Pernille Harder, whose partner is Chelsea teammate Magda Eriksson, wrote that she was “devastated” by Hungary’s new anti-LGBT+ legislation.
“My thoughts are with the people of Hungary but especially the various LGBT communities in the country,” Harder said. “The football world has another opportunity to step up. I hope that Uefa will take this seriously and reconsider moving more Euros games to Budapest. Equal game?”
Uefa declined to comment, but noted it had dropped the investigation into Neuer and that it was looking into the conduct of Hungary supporters.
More from i on Euro 2020
- The football nomad who became a hero for his role in saving Eriksen’s life
- How Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola stunt could change the face of football sponsorship
- In praise of Emma Hayes, the best pundit at Euro 2020 so far
- Eriksen collapse has thrown a spotlight on football’s relentless thirst for more
- How to watch every Euro 2020 match on TV and online in the UK
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3gNDHMF
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