Uefa has faced widespread criticism after saying it is “proud to wear the colours of the rainbow” while declining requests to light up Munich’s Allianz Arena with the pride flag ahead of a match between Germany and Hungary this evening.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter had made the request in protest against a new law in Hungary that bans the sharing of any content seen as promoting homosexuality and gender change to under-18s.
In a statement shared this afternoon, Uefa said it had denied Mr Reiter’s request because of its “political context”.
“Uefa is proud to wear the colours of the rainbow. It is a symbol that embodies our core values, promoting everything that we believe in — a more just and egalitarian society, tolerant of everyone, regardless of their background, belief or gender,” the group said.
Uefa denied claims its decision not to illuminate the Munich stadium in rainbow colours was “political”, adding: “On the contrary, the request itself was political, linked to the Hungarian football team’s presence in the stadium for this evening’s match with Germany.
“For Uefa, the rainbow is not a political symbol, but a sign of our firm commitment to a more diverse and inclusive society.”
Responding to the decision, a top EU official said he could not find “any reasonable excuse” for the football group to reject host city Munich’s plans to display the rainbow colours ahead of the Euro 2020 match.
European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas told a news conference that he found it “very difficult to understand what Uefa is trying to do by going against this initiative of the Munich city council”.
Mr Schinas said he was even more surprised by the decision since the governing body of European football has previously supported campaigns against racism.
“They supported all the good causes. And all of a sudden, they make an issue out of this,” he added.
Meanwhile, Munich’s mayor slammed the decision as “shameful,” saying it “very disappointing” that the German football federation failed to give the city’s proposal more support.
Mr Reiter added that he had plans to raise rainbow flags over Munich’s city hall, and to illuminate both the city’s Olympic Tower and a wind turbine near the stadium in rainbow colours.
Bavaria’s Lesbian and Gay Association said it will hold protests inside and outside the stadium ahead of Germany’s match against Hungary this evening.
Pride group CSD Germany said it was co-operating with other groups, including Queeramnesty, to distribute 11,000 rainbow flags to fans attending the game.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3zQcdxg
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