Italy and Toronto FC winger Federico Bernardeschi made an impassioned plea to explain why standing up for LGBTQI+ rights in the ‘abominable’ Qatar World Cup is so important. ‘The freedom to choose your way of life is sacrosanct.’
Controversy has dogged the competition since it was first assigned to Qatar in 2010 – a country where homosexuality is illegal – and now that the tournament has begun, FIFA have further exacerbated the problems by banning the use of any symbolism in support of gay rights.
This includes the ‘One Love’ armband that was prepared by countries including England, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany, even refusing to let in fans with any rainbows on their clothing.
When some fans try to call it a political issue that should remain out of football, Bernardeschi makes a clear stand to explain why this truly matters.
“The freedom to choose your way of life and your beliefs is sacrosanct,” the Toronto FC star told RAI Uno show Il Circolo dei Mondiali.
“No man, state or government can or must violate these civil rights. It is abominable when civil rights are trampled upon in this way and the world has to rise up in protest.
“Instead, we are being so careful to express ourselves only in a certain way. This is not how you engage in a battle, especially one over something as fundamental as human rights.
“Those who fought in the past showed how it was done, we’re here in 2022 going well, maybe. No. It’s unacceptable.”
The players were still prepared to wear the armbands, but backed down when FIFA announced they would automatically give a yellow card to anyone with the banned symbols.
The German team posed before kick-off with their hands covering their mouths for the game against Japan, to show they had been silenced, and their federation is taking legal action against FIFA.
Good for you Federico! The World Cup should have never ever been in Qatar for both sporting and political reasons. And Lord Allegri, stick to comments about Max, because your view on this issue was equivalent to Allegri’s tactics on the pitch, antiquated and outdated.
Great comment huge respect what a great mam ALWAYS stand against bigotry agains the intolerant. ZERO REASON for us to be accepting of homophobia and racism stamp it up its pathetic that people are using religion as an excuse to hate.