Norway’s Minister of Culture Abid Raja says he is deeply disappointed with the European Football Association’s (UEFA) decision to reject the request to light up Allianz Arena in rainbow colors for Euro 2020 game between Germany and Hungary.
On Tuesday, UEFA rejected the plans to light up Bayern Munich’s home ground in rainbow colors in connection with Wednesday’s European Championship match between Germany and Hungary.
The initiative was launched by local authorities in Munich.
UEFA: Political context
UEFA argued that the planned stadium marking has a political context – in the sense that it is aimed at a recent decision taken by the Hungarian parliament. Therefore, the application was rejected.
Minister of Culture and Gender Equality Abid Raja (V) reacted sharply.
“Outdated attitudes. Old-fashioned. Lack of courage. And lack of understanding,” the minister told NTB.
“Not least, there is a lack of understanding of what kind of community values football stands for and should represent. It must include everyone and be for everyone. It is not the case that football is for the able-bodied, for those with a specific ethnic origin, or those with a heterosexual orientation,” Raja said.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
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