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German footballers entered the World Cup in Qatar with a surprising defeat to Japan (1:2). They covered their mouths in the team photo before kick-off to protest FIFA’s decision to ban rainbow ribbons. Belgian captain Eden Hazard also commented on the disapproving gesture.
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The captain’s armband with the “One Love” motif was supposed to symbolize support for the LGBTQ+ community and seven European countries, including Germany and Belgium, wanted to use it. However, just before the start of the tournament, the International Football Federation urged players to avoid wearing the rainbow ribbon. He even threatened to give the captain a yellow card, he writes Brand.
Unlike Germany, the Belgian soccer team achieved a victory over Canada (1:0) in the opening match. At the post-match press conference, journalists asked the Red Devils captain Eden Hazard about the decision of the International Football Federation.
“I don’t want to comment on this topic, I’m only here to play football. We were cautioned for the penalty and we didn’t want to go into the match with a yellow card, it would have affected the rest of the championship.” said Eden Hazard.
The 31-year-old Belgian also commented on the gesture of the German players before the duel with Japan, who expressed their discontent by covering their mouths with their hands during the team photo. “They lost the match, so it would be better if they didn’t and won. We came here to play football. I just want to focus on him and not send political messages. dodal Eden Hazard.
German soccer players covered their mouths to protest the rainbow ribbon ban ahead of their first match at the World Cup against Japan.
Source: Reuters
Belgium will play against Morocco on Sunday at 14:00 CET. In case of triumph, Roberto Martínez’s men will guarantee the expected passage to the elimination phase. On the same day at 20:00 CET, the Germans will try to correct their initial failure. They will go into the match against Spain with the ultimatum to score points, in case of further hesitation they will probably say goodbye to the championship already in the group stage.
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