Italy’s LGBTQ+ rights association has asked for a meeting with Torino after new signing Josip Brekalo refused to wear a rainbow armband, citing his ‘Christian values.’
The Croatia international caused controversy in Wolfsburg three years ago when the team wore rainbow armbands in support of gay rights, particularly for anyone coming to football matches, except for Brekalo.
Brekalo ‘liked’ several insulting and homophobic comments on social media, then told Kicker that he could not support the campaign because it went “against my Christian values.
“I was raised very religiously, so if someone chooses a different way of life, that’s okay with me because that’s their thing, but I do not have to and do not want to wear a special symbol for someone else, which opposes my Christian worldview.”
With his move to Torino, the story is back in the news and came to the attention of Marco Arlati, secretary of the LGBTQ+ rights association Arcigay.
“We want to relaunch the project ‘Italy takes to the field against homophobia’ in October and Brekalo’s arrival in Serie A is the best opportunity to resume promoting diversity in football, where the issue remains a taboo, despite the many steps forward we have made,” Arlati told Tuttosport.
“Other sports in Italy are a little more advanced in that sense, with Paola Egonu and Lucilla Boari at the Olympics this summer. We are ready to meet Brekalo, the coach and directors of Torino.
“I don’t think Brekalo is homophobic or intended to support extremist positions: quite simply, his Catholic upbringing was not based on knowing or welcoming diversity. Certain positions clash with the reality of today, starting from sport as a vehicle for civil rights issues.”
Sampdoria midfielder Albin Ekdal recently admitted there are many homosexual football players who remain closeted because they fear being mocked or insulted, while Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lashed out at homophobic chants from his own fans last month, calling them ‘idiots.’