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UEFA Have Blocked Germany From Lighting Up The Allianz Arena With Rainbow Colours

UEFA Have Blocked Germany From Lighting Up The Allianz Arena With Rainbow Colours

UEFA have claimed there is 'political context' to the gesture.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

UEFA have blocked Germany's plan of lighting up the Allianz Arena with rainbow colours for their Euro 2020 clash with Hungary.

A new law in Hungary has banned the dissemination of content in schools which are deemed to promote homosexuality and the topic of gender change.

Munich mayor Dieter Reiter wanted to light the stadium up on Wednesday as a means to protest, but UEFA have shot it down in an attempt to remain neutral.

An official statement reads: "Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies - and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today.

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PA

"Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love.

"However UEFA, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organisation. Given the political context of this specific request - a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament - UEFA must decline this request."

The Allianz Arena is the home of Bayern Munich and the stadium is designed for the roofing to be lit in various colours.

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PA

It comes just days after UEFA started an investigation into Germany captain Manuel Neuer for wearing a rainbow armband in support of the LGBT+ community.

The case was dropped however as Neuer's gesture was deemed to be for a 'good cause' rather than a political symbol.

Midfielder Leon Goretzka also spoke passionately earlier this week, explaining the entire squad feel strongly about equal rights.

He said: "It would be completely absurd if we had to apologise for it because it is absolutely clear what that stands for.

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PA

"We as a football world want to counter racism and homophobia with diversity."

Germany are currently second in Group F and demolished Portugal 4-2 on Saturday evening.

They lost their opener to France 1-0 and outgoing manager Joachim Low believes that will work to their advantage.

"Of course, a win like this gives you a boost, but we never doubted ourselves. We knew we could do some things better," Low told reporters per Goal.

"The next game could be even more difficult, because Hungary sit deeper and defend with eight or nine men. We have to take it step by step.

"There are plenty of strong sides in this tournament, but the teams who have everything running perfectly in the first two games are rarely the ones who end up winning the tournament."

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Football, Euro 2020, Germany