Enlarge image
Manuel Neuer with rainbow band
Photo:
Christian Charisius / dpa
The German national soccer team will take a stand against racism at the European Championship and, like opponents England, will collectively go to their knees before the kick-off of the round of 16.
This was announced by Captain Manuel Neuer at the press conference in London on Monday evening.
The FC Bayern goalkeeper said they wanted to "show solidarity" with the English, who showed this gesture at all games, at the game on Tuesday evening (6 p.m., live ticker SPIEGEL.de, TV: ARD, Magenta TV) at Wembley Stadium Munich.
»We stand for tolerance.
It wasn't a question for us.
We'll go with you immediately, ”said Neuer.
In return, England's captain Harry Kane, like Neuer, will wear the rainbow armband for tolerance and diversity on his arm as captain.
"The English show solidarity with the armband and want to show that too," said Neuer.
»More influence to make a difference«
The keeper is proud to have made a mark.
“In the past, we often did not position ourselves that way politically and instead followed the guidelines, as it always has been.
Now - also thanks to social media - every individual has more influence to make a difference, «said Neuer.
The Uefa had started investigations against the rainbow captain's armband after Neuer had worn it in the first two European Championship games.
However, the association stopped this immediately.