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UEFA Euro 2020: Munich's Allianz Arena's request to light up in rainbow colour turned down by UEFA

The 2020 UEFA Euro is being held across 11 countries in Europe. In Germany, Munich’s Allianz Arena happens to be one of the venues. While recently, Munich put in a request to light up the venue in rainbow colour during the tournament, only to be turned down by UEFA.

UEFA Euro 2020: Munich's Allianz Arena's request to light up rainbow colour turned down by UEFA-ayh
Author
Munich, First Published Jun 22, 2021, 5:56 PM IST

The UEFA Euro 2020 has already lit up Europe. The ongoing edition of the tournament is not limited to one hosting nation, as 11 countries are hosting the matches.

Meanwhile, Germany happens to be one of the host countries, while Munich’s Allianz Arena, the home ground of Bayern Munich, is used as the venue to host the games. Recently, Munich’s city council requested the Union of European Football Associations to light up the ground in rainbow colour, ahead of Wednesday’s clash between Germany and Hungary.

UEFA Euro 2020: Munich's Allianz Arena's request to light up rainbow colour turned down by UEFA-ayh

However, UEFA’s request for the same has been turned down, asserting that it is neutral regarding political matters. The proposal was put in since Europe is celebrating ‘Pride Month’, supporting the LGBT+ community.

“Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies — and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today. Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love,” said UEFA in a statement.

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UEFA Euro 2020: Munich's Allianz Arena's request to light up rainbow colour turned down by UEFA-ayh

“However, UEFA, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organisation. Given the political context of this specific request — a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament — UEFA must decline this request,” it added.

Earlier, UEFA had launched an investigation into German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for donning a rainbow-coloured captain’s armband, seemingly for his support to the LGBT+ community. However, UEFA stopped the investigation into it on Monday.

UEFA Euro 2020: Munich's Allianz Arena's request to light up rainbow colour turned down by UEFA-ayh

“June is also the month of ‘Pride’ in sport to promote more diversity. This year, the DFB is also participating with various campaigns. Manuel Neuer has been wearing the rainbow armband since a friendly against Latvia on 7 June as a sign and clear commitment of the whole team for diversity, openness, tolerance and against hate and exclusion. The message is: we are colourful!” said German Football Association spokesperson Jens Grittner, reports AFP.

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