England, Wales, and other European nations have reneged on their promise to wear the OneLove captain's armband at the World Cup in Qatar.
Harry Kane was adamant in a press-conference yesterday that England were willing to take a fine for wearing it, but in a spectacular u-turn, they have chosen to forgo the armband, after Fifa informed them that the captain ran the risk of receiving a yellow card for these actions.
Fans and pundits alike have taken to social media to express their disappointment in England, for what they see as a spineless decision.
Earlier, Jamie Carragher had urged the side to go through with their promise:
He has to wear it. They can't pull out now. The yellow card only strengthens the campaign.
The Football Supporter's Association also released a statement criticising the FA.
"Today we feel contempt for an organisation that has shown its true values by giving the yellow card to players and the red card to tolerance.
"Never again should a World Cup be handed out solely on the basis of money and infrastructure.
"No country which falls short on LGBT+ rights, women's rights, workers' rights or any other universal human right should be given the honour of hosting a World Cup.
"It's astonishing that, on the morning of England's World Cup opener, Fifa are censoring players and the nine national FAs who wish to share a positive message."
England vs Iran kicks off in under two hours, and there is still much speculation as to whether there will be any gestures to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community from the team.
England Do U-Turn On 'One Love' Armband Promise
This is more what FIFA had in mind when it came to captain's armbands and protests. pic.twitter.com/9LRSgdqV9o
— Jonny Sharples (@JonnyGabriel) November 21, 2022
One of the things that is so dispiriting about all this is that the One Love armband felt like it was designed specifically so that it would be permitted. The blandness and non-specificity of it was the whole point. And they've still ultimately decided against wearing it.
— Jack Pitt-Brooke (@JackPittBrooke) November 21, 2022
Netherlands have confirmed they won’t wear the OneLove armband anymore. Nine nations signed up but given it was originally their idea, looks ominous that the others could also backtrack.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) November 21, 2022
Football can’t change a political system.
But football can be a symbol of uniting people.
Most of my life I have been in a dressing room. Religion, sexuality, nationality or color of your skin were never an issue.
And now FIFA can’t even accept “OneLove”. SAD— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 💛💙 (@JanAageFjortoft) November 21, 2022
READ HERE: Gary Neville Comes Under Heavy Criticism For Pandering To Qatari State TV
England captain Harry Kane will wear the One Love armband to show support for LGBTQ+ rights in this afternoon's game against Iran despite the risk of punishment. pic.twitter.com/KgeuBywKVA
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 21, 2022
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