Euro 2020 news - ‘Shameful’ – UEFA’s response to rainbow stadium slammed as clubs prepare own response
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Updated 22/06/2021 at 18:06 GMT
The request was initially put in following legislation being passed in Hungary that is extremely discrimatory against people from the LGBTQ+ community. UEFA rejected it because it is considered a political statement so instead Bundesliga clubs will light up their stadiums to show their support to the affected community and protest the decisions made in Hungary and by UEFA.
A drone image shows the Allianz Arena soccer stadium illuminated in rainbow colours during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG Hoffenheim on January 30, 2021 in Munich, Germany. On the occasion of the "Remembrance Day in German Footbal
Image credit: Getty Images
The decision by European football’s governing body, UEFA, to not allow Munich to light the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours has been slammed as ‘shameful.’
The city of Munich had put in the request ahead of Germany’s match against Hungary at Euro 2020, in response to Hungary’s new legislation that bans the sharing of any content portraying homosexuality or sex reassignment for people under the age of 18, which means there will be no discussion of LGBTQ+ rights in school.
Munich’s mayor, Dieter Reiter has called the decision “shameful,” and also expressed his frustration with the German football association, the DFB.
“I find it shameful that Uefa forbids us from setting an example for diversity, tolerance, respect and solidarity.
“The DFB, despite the overwhelming approval from all over the country, has not been willing to position itself to influence the result,
"We in Munich certainly won't let ourselves be discouraged from sending a clear signal to Hungary and the world.''
In response to the decision from UEFA, Reiter has said that he will light up a wind turbine opposite the stadium.
Plenty of Bundesliga clubs have expressed their solidarity by lighting up their own stadiums as the Allianz won’t be able to.
Germany captain Manuel Neuer is expected to continue to wear a rainbow captain’s armband whilst the Dutch FA have announced their skipper Georginio Wijnaldum will wear an armband that says “OneLove” when they play their last 16 match in Hungary.
Across Europe there were plenty of reactions condemning the decision made by UEFA.
Hertha Berlin are one of the clubs to light up their stadium and the city’s Deputy Mayor Ramona Pop said on Twitter "Always happy to be lauded for actions against homophobia and racism, but not allowing a rainbow stadium as a symbol of tolerance and diversity at Euro 2020. What a poor showing, UEFA!''
"The rainbow is not offensive,” EU Commission Vice President Věra Jourová told Politico on Monday evening.
“If anyone has a problem with it, this speaks more about them, rather than about people who want to light up the stadium with it."
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