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Leon Goretzka: "It would be completely absurd if we had to apologize for it"
Photo: WOLFGANG RATTAY / REUTERS
National player Leon Goretzka has responded to the debate about the captain's armband in rainbow colors by Manuel Neuer and has spoken out in favor of the Munich arena in the third German European Championship game against Hungary on Wednesday (9 p.m. / TV: ZDF and MagentaTV; live ticker SPIEGEL.de) in Illuminate rainbow colors.
About Neuer's captain's armband, the midfielder said at a press conference of the German Football Association (DFB) at noon: “It would be completely absurd if we had to apologize for it.
Because it is perfectly clear what that stands for and there is no reason to argue against it.
We will continue to act in the same way. "
Neuer wears the armband in the so-called "Pride Month" to set an example against discrimination and hatred.
The European football association Uefa launched an investigation on Sunday because political messages are actually prohibited and it is mandatory to wear a different armband.
That caused criticism.
The Uefa later classified the action as a "good reason" and waived a penalty.
The DFB announced that Neuer will also wear the colorful captain's armband against Hungary.
Markus Söder supports the Munich arena in rainbow colors
Actually, the Munich arena should also shine in rainbow colors.
Munich's Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter submitted a corresponding application to Uefa President Alexander Ceferin.
It should be a reaction to the policy of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
On Tuesday, the Hungarian parliament approved a law that restricts young people's right to information about homosexuality and transsexuality.
The law is a particular concern of Orbán.
Goretzka called the colorful lighting of the Munich stadium "a great idea": "As a football world, you can currently see very well that we want to counter racism and homophobia with diversity," said the 26-year-old: "I'm happy about it and I'm happy about it every character that is set. "
Support came from politics.
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) said he thought it would be a “very good signal” if the Munich stadium should actually shine in the rainbow colors in order to set an example against homophobia.
It would be a »signal that stands for the freedom of our society«.
The federal government made a fundamental statement on the subject: The rainbow flag stands for "how we want to live".
With respect for one another - without the discrimination that homosexuals and other minorities have been exposed to for a long time, said government spokesman Steffen Seibert.
"Most of them can certainly admit that," he added.
It is questionable whether the Munich arena will actually shine brightly against Hungary.
The decision lies with the tournament organizer, Uefa.
It is possible that she does not want to snub Hungarian President Orbán.
mey / sid / dpa
