Didi Haman has claimed Didi Hamann has claimed the Football Associations have let down their teams when it comes to making statements on the pitch.
Prior to kick-off in Germany V Japan, the German team covered their mouths as a sign of protest against FIFA, with the team feeling they have been silenced by them.
As a sign of protest against LGBTQ+ rights in Qatar, captains had planned to wear 'One Love' armband as a sign of solidarity for those affected, but decided not to as captains were threatened with a yellow card.
While Players have made it clear they want to make gestures to support causes, they have been feared out of doing so with possible suspensions further down the tournament.
Germany have been the first side to show a true image of support, and the move was backed by German politician Nancy Fraser, who wore the One Love armband while sitting beside FIFA President Gianni Infantico.
German politician Nancy Faeser is wearing the 'OneLove' armband as she sits next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Germany-Japan match. 🌈 pic.twitter.com/U2TNAn0aR9
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 23, 2022
The German football association made their stance on the issue clear, claiming "Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice."
It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.
Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position. pic.twitter.com/tiQKuE4XV7— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 23, 2022
Manuel Neuer, who didn't wear the One Love armband, was checked by the assistant referee at the beginning of the game to ensure he didn't wear it.
Neuer having his captain's armband checked by an assistant referee before kick off. pic.twitter.com/Jb41MQ9fRG
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 23, 2022
Didi Hamann Slams FAs
Former German midfielder Didi Hamann has backed the move by the German national team, but claimed the players have been let down by those above them.
While there was lots of speculation and discussion of possible protests, Germany are the first side to follow through with their actions. Didi Hamann gave credit to the players for their actions, but also felt sympathy for the position they have been left in.
🇩🇪 1-0 🇯🇵
Didi Hamann feels players planning to wear the One Love armband have been let down by their FAs. The Germans covered their mouths in protest today
📺 Watch live now on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer: https://t.co/cpCr43tolm
📱Live updates: https://t.co/1fMQMqLQj9#FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/WNJLwOz2eh— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 23, 2022
"They voiced their concerns and issues with what's going on in Qatar. The only other thing is the players have been put in a position. They wanted to wear the armband, the association didn't get it through with FIFA.
Why should the players rectify a situation the association couldn't rectify in the first place? There's been a lot of pressure on these players. I'm sure they are tired of the whole debate as well.
They did their statement. That's fine, I think we should leave it at that and concentrate on the football because I can imagine a lot of questions in the past have been about his issue.
There's only so much they can do, and fair play to them."
As of now, it's unclear if Germany will face any actions for the protest, or if this will open the door for other teams to protest.
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