UEFA has denied banning rainbow emblems from the Budapest fan zone ahead of the Netherlands’ Euro 2020 last-16 match against the Czech Republic on Sunday. According to reports in the Dutch press, security officers instructed Dutch supporters not to show the Pride rainbow flag upon entering the fan zone. Some supporters were demonstrating against newly enacted legislation in Hungary that prohibits the “promotion” of homosexuality to minors.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte replied to the law by stating Hungary no longer had a right to be a member of the European Union and vowed to bring the country “to its knees on this subject.” UEFA claims that it has informed the Hungarian FA that rainbow emblems are not political and that Europe’s governing body is not responsible for their removal from the Budapest fan zone.
According to a UEFA statement, “contrary to some claims in Dutch media, UEFA would like to clarify that it has not prohibited any rainbow-colored insignia from the fan zone in Budapest, which is under the jurisdiction of the local authorities.”
“UEFA would welcome any such emblem inside the fan zone.” UEFA notified the Hungarian Football Federation today that rainbow-colored emblems are not political and, in keeping with UEFA’s #EqualGame campaign, which fights against any discrimination, including against the LGBTQI+ community, such banners will be permitted into the stadium.”
UEFA refuses to allow rainbow lighting at Munich Stadium:
UEFA earlier rejected a proposal by Munich’s mayor to have the city’s stadium lighted up in rainbow colours for Germany’s Group F encounter against Hungary on Wednesday.
Mayor Dieter Reiter said he intended to light up the stadium in the colours to protest a new legislation in Hungary that prohibits the distribution of information in schools that “promotes” homosexuality and gender change.
On that premise, UEFA stated that it would be unable to accept the mayor’s request and suggested other dates for the stadium to be lighted up in rainbow colours. A pitch invader waving a rainbow flag was tackled while protesting during the pre-match anthems.
During the Hungarian national song, the fan invaded the pitch wearing a Germany jersey and waved the flag.
They attempted to dash towards the Hungary players before being tackled by stewards. Netherlands coach Frank de Boer said captain Georginio Wijnaldum will wear a rainbow armband with the words “One Love” during the Euro 2020 match on Sunday.
