Manuel Neuer is the subject of a UEFA investigation after he wore a rainbow coloured captain’s armband in support of Pride Month during his country’s first two games against France and Portugal at this year’s Euros.
The Germans have had a mixed start to the tournament after losing their first match 1-0 to France but beating Portugal 4-2.
Saturday’s win saw Germany now occupy second place in Group F going into the final round of fixtures before the knockout stages.
They face Hungary next on Wednesday, but their preparation has been disrupted by the news that UEFA are looking into Neuer’s armband on the basis that they prohibit ‘political’ signs being made during games.
And according to NTV, Germany could even be fined as a result.
Christian Rudolph, Board member of LSVD (the German Lesbian and Gay Federation) is among those who have slammed UEFA following the news.
He said: “That is unacceptable. It is a fatal sign. We are currently in Pride Month and at the most important sporting event of the month should the wearing of a rainbow captain’s armband be prevented?
“Uefa also needs to think about who it represents. How should the athletes think about it now? We are committed to open football.
“And this month we also want to send a signal to all the athletes from the LGBTI community. It was important to us that Neuer can wear the rainbow captain’s armband for the entire month. These are now the values that the DFB represents.”
Germany are also planning to light up Munich’s Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for the game against Hungary.
It remains to be seen how this is affected if UEFA do press ahead with punishment.
source:- completesports
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