England and Wales back down over LGBTQ armband – ‘disappointing’
The shocking u-turn from England, Wales and European teams on wearing the One Love armband – in support of the LGBTQ community has left fans and pundits divided.
The plan had been that captains of England, Wales and European teams would wear the armband to promote diversity and inclusion. But at last minute the clubs u-turned – after Fifa said the captains could face an instant yellow card.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.
But fans and teams had been told they could wear the rainbow flag in support – right up until the last minute.
It’s not the first u-turn of the tournament, just before the start of the first Qatar game, they u-turned on beer being served in the stadiums. And whilst it’s not a big deal that alcohol will not be sold within the stadiums, it’s a little concerning the number of u-turns that have already happened.
The reaction to the captains abandoning the armbands has been fairly negative – with many saying they shouldn’t have backed down. Others say it’s the FA who should’ve fought and the responsibility does not lie with the players or coaches.
There are claims the gesture was hollow from the start and others – more right-wing papers say politics should be kept out of football.
