It would be absurd if UEFA sanctioned Manuel Neuer's rainbow armband: Goretzka
Updated On: 22 June, 2021 11:47 AM IST | Berlin | AFP
Normally, the captains of each team at the European Championship are obliged to wear a standard armband issued by UEFA. Neuer will wear the rainbow armband for Wednesday`s game against Hungary in Munich, which the Germans must win to be sure of reaching the last 16
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Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka. Pics/AFP
Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka said Monday it would have been "absurd" if UEFA had sanctioned the German FA for the rainbow-coloured captain`s armband that skipper Manuel Neuer has worn during Euro 2020 in solidarity with gay pride. The German Football Association (DFB) said it had been informed by UEFA that a review of the matter had been halted and a spokesperson said the Germans "will not face disciplinary measures". "The armband has been assessed as a team symbol for diversity and thus for a `good cause`," the DFB said on Twitter.
Normally, the captains of each team at the European Championship are obliged to wear a standard armband issued by UEFA. Neuer will wear the rainbow armband for Wednesday`s game against Hungary in Munich, which the Germans must win to be sure of reaching the last 16. Goretzka said the armband should never have been an issue. "There are rules and guidelines at UEFA and the DFB, sport should not be exploited, that is important and right," Goretzka said. "However, it would have been absurd if we had to apologise for it (the armband), as it is clear what that stands for." Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who came out as gay after retiring in 2013 and is now head of sport at VfB Stuttgart, was unimpressed that UEFA had even looking into the armband matter. "Come on, @UEFA @EURO2020 - you can not be serious?!" Hitzlsperger tweeted on Sunday. On Sunday, German FA spokesman Jens Grittner said that Neuer would not have stopped wearing the rainbow armband even if UEFA opted to punish the Germans.
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