Sports minister wore LGBTQ+ One Love armband to Wales v England match
SPORTS minister Stuart Andrew turned up to the Wales versus England match wearing an LGBTQ+ One Love armband.
The gay MP displayed the protest armband together with a rainbow tie to send a message in Qatar where homosexuality is punishable by death.
EPASports minister Stuart Andrew turned up to the Wales versus England match wearing an LGBTQ+ One Love armband[/caption]
England and Wales were among seven nations to axe plans to wear the armband in matches to spare players disciplinary action.
Mr Andrew said: “Sport has the power to unite and inspire so it’s vital all sporting events, such as the Fifa World Cup, are open and inclusive.
“I’m wearing the #OneLove armband to support the LGBT community and send a positive message that everyone should feel welcome at all sport tournaments.”
Qatar World Cup chief Hassan Al-Thawadi blasted the move.
He said: “If you’re making a statement here in Qatar or specifically addressed to Qatar, and by extension the Islamic world, I take issue with that.
“It leaves a very divisive message.”
3LionsPride, an LGBTQ+ England fan group, called Fifa’s decision to sanction players for wearing the armband “more than disappointing”.
It said the “right to freedom of speech and expression” were being crushed.
