Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen claims he feels controlled when it comes to his actions of solidarity at the World Cup.
The former Spurs centre-back was speaking ahead of Belgium's opening game of the tournament, as they get their tournament underway against Canada tomorrow night, with Morocco and Croatia also in their group.
In a tournament that has so far been dominated by the headlines off the pitch, gestures have been attempted by players to show solidarity to those affected by Qatar's human rights record.
In preparation for this tournament, thousands of migrant workers died building stadiums, with Qatar's record in humans rights when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community and women has been deeply condemned.
England captain Harry Kane and Wales captain Gareth Bale were set to wear a 'one-love' captain armband in a show of solidarity with those affected, but decided against the move last minute in the fear they would receive a yellow card.
Prior to England V Iran, the Iran national team refused to sign the national anthem in a powerful move in response to events that have occurred in their country over the past month
Jan Vertonghen Feels Controlled
Jan Vertonghen has admitted that he has been left in an awkward position by the possible consequences of actions to show his support.
Jan Vertonghen and his teammates were reportedly denied having the world 'love' on their away jerseys in a show of support for their game against Canada.
Vertonghen has said he would like to show his spread and spread awareness of the issues that are currently ongoing in Qatar, but admits to feeling uncomfortable by the way players have been controlled.
🗣 "I'm afraid if I say something about this whether or not I'll be able to play on the field tomorrow, that is a situation I've never ever experienced in football."
Jan Vertonghen says they are being "controlled" and he is afraid to speak up on important issues pic.twitter.com/BwbjwjlIl7— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 22, 2022
"I don't know now if you make a statement now by wearing the armband now, that would mean punishing yourself. Now I'm unfortunately afraid to say anything at all I don't feel comfortable with, and that is telling enough.
I am afraid that if I say something about this whether or not I will be able to play in the field tomorrow. That is fortunately that I have never ever experienced in football and I hope I never, ever have to experience it again because it's just not good.
We are being controlled, and I don't really like making political statements but as I said I'm afraid to even say anything about this. We are just saying normal things like no to racism and discrimination. If you can't even say that then hey, then what?"
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