UEFA on Tuesday rejected plans by the city of Munich to light the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for the Germany-Hungary Euro 2020 match in support of the LGBT community and to protest at a law passed by the Hungarian government.The reason behind UEFA’s decision? They say the whole thing is too political.”Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies – and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today. Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love. UEFA is a politically and religiously neutral organisation. Given the political context of this request — a message aimed at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament — UEFA must refuse.”UEFA will not allow the Allianz Arena to light up in rainbow colors during Germany’s game against Hungary on Wednesday. Reason: All eleven stadiums hosting EURO games should only light up in the colors of UEFA and the participating nations [Bild] pic.twitter.com/ffV1huK3C3— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) June 21, 2021 The mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, had wanted the stadium in rainbow colours for the crucial Group F match to “send a visible sign of solidarity” with Hungary’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.Last week, the national parliament passed legislation by 157-1 that has been commonly interpreted as a law against what the government of right-wing leader Victor Orban describes as “LGBT propaganda”. The law bans the promotion or portrayal of homosexuality or gender reassignment.UEFA have today shared with the DFB that they have stopped the review of the rainbow captain’s armband worn by @Manuel_Neuer.In a letter, the armband has been assessed as a team symbol for diversity and thus for a ‘good cause.’ #EURO2020 #GER pic.twitter.com/HFiAAQ6F5D— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) June 20, 2021 On Monday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto claimed that plans to light the Munich stadium in rainbow colours was “harmful and dangerous”.”It is extremely harmful and dangerous to mix sports and politics. Historical experience shows that this is bad, and if anyone, the Germans certainly know this well. We in Hungary have passed a law to protect Hungarian children, and they are now fighting against it in Western Europe. The lighting clearly shows the intention to bring politics into the world of sport, because everyone knows what it is about.”Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka was among the many members of his national team to back the LGBT+ symbolism this week.”It would be completely absurd if we had to apologise for it because it is absolutely clear what that stands for. We as a football world want to counter racism and homophobia with diversity.”Do it Munich. Do it. Light it up for the world to see. @UEFA https://t.co/WotPwqNlKb— Gary Lineker ???? (@GaryLineker) June 22, 2021 In solidarity with the Munich decision, other German clubs are now stepping in that want their stadiums to shine in rainbow colours. As Eintracht Frankfurt board spokesman Axel Hellmann announced on Twitter, their stadium in Frankfurt will be illuminated in bright colours during Germany’s match.”If Munich is not allowed to be on Wednesday, then the other stadiums in the country have to show their colours. Come on, colleagues in the league.”Many others sports personalities have been appalled by UEFA’s decision. The general consensus is that Munich should light the stadium anyway.
