Local authorities have confiscated rainbow flags in the Puskas Arena and the Dutch fan zone in Budapest, after fans tried to protest peacefully against the Hungarian government’s homophobic legislation.
Hungarian President Viktor Orban has come in for widespread criticism following the introduction of a new “antipedophilia bill”. Under the surface, the new law has made it illegal to promote homosexuality in schools, which many have considered an oppressive violation of human rights.
The subject of LGBTQ + representation in football has been in the headlines recently after German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was initially subjected to UEFA sanctions for wearing a rainbow-colored bracelet. UEFA initially labeled it a political statement, but has since confirmed that Neuer will not take any action.
It is now reported by AD in the Netherlands that Dutch fans who tried to take rainbow flags into Puskas Arena and the fan zone in Budapest have had them confiscated by security guards under instructions from UEFA. The flags were intended as a protest against the right-wing Hungarian government.
UEFA later confirmed in a statement that these flags are allowed in the arena and that only local authorities ban their display.
UEFA has also come under criticism for banning the Munich City Council from changing lights at the Allianz Arena, one of the host sites of Euro 2020, to the colors of the rainbow in support of gay rights.
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Welcome to @stonewallfc. Britain’s first and most successful LGBT + football club. ? ️? #DownThePyramid (thread?) Pic.twitter.com/uQzC5l7ncH
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) 24 June 2021
One of the biggest critics of UEFA’s seemingly relentless stance on the issue has been Dutch captain Georginio Wjnaldum, who will wear a rainbow-colored bracelet embossed with the slogan “one love” when his side meets the Czech Republic in Budapest.
He said: “The bracelet means a lot because we stand for diversity. ‘A love’ means that everyone is a part of it and everyone should be free to be who they are.
In today’s match, should I have a #OneLove captain bracelet? to emphasize that we stand for inclusion and connection.
We are against all forms of exclusion and discrimination. We hope to support everyone who feels discriminated against all over the world ??
– Gini Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) 27 June 2021
“In our opinion [the right to be yourself] has been violated. As players, we have a podium to do what we can to help. ”
