Follow Us
Euro 2020 : UEFA was faced with a lot of criticism for refusing the illumination of Allianz Arena during the Germany vs Hungary match. However, they have responded to this criticism by adding the Pride flag colours or the ‘rainbow’ to the logo. Germany is scheduled to face Hungary at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday to decide their fate.
In a statement European football’s governing body said it “is proud to wear the colours of the rainbow”, a symbol for the LGBTQ community. However, they defended their decision by saying the city of Munich’s request to illuminate the stadium was “political”.
“The request itself was political, linked to the Hungarian football team’s presence in the stadium for this evening’s match with Germany,” UEFA said.
UEFA said that the rainbow was “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.”
They also said that the decision to turn down Munich’s request was not political, saying that “the rainbow is not a political symbol, but a sign of our firm commitment to a more diverse and inclusive society.”
Munich’s request to illuminate the stadium in the Bavarian capital was put forward after the Hungarian parliament approved a ban on the “promotion” of homosexuality and gender change to minors. Legislation that critics say is even harsher than Russia’s law on “gay propaganda”.
Last year homosexual couples were also effectively banned from adopting children, a measure that led to rare criticism of government policy by a Hungarian sports personality– the national team’s goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
