Forward of their recreation in opposition to Japan on the World Cup in Qatar on Wednesday, gamers from Workforce Germany assembled on the pitch and coated their mouths in an act of protest.
The gamers had been upset that soccer governing physique FIFA had earlier stopped captains from a number of European groups from sporting armbands in assist of the LGBTQ group.
“We wished to make use of our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we maintain within the Germany nationwide crew: range and mutual respect. Along with different nations, we wished our voice to be heard,” the crew mentioned in a press release posted to their official Twitter account.
“It wasn’t about making a political assertion – human rights are non-negotiable. That ought to be taken without any consideration, nevertheless it nonetheless isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so vital to us,” the crew mentioned. “Denying us the armband is similar as denying us a voice. We stand by our place.”
