Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright and ex-Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane have agreed in their verdict on Germany's statement regarding FIFA banning the OneLove armband.
Manuel Neuer was rumoured to wear the OneLove armband as a sign of support for the LGBTQ+ community, despite facing sanctions from FIFA if he was to do so, but the Germany captain has instead worn a similar armband to that of Harry Kane which matches FIFA's 'no discrimination' campaign. The Germany national team released a statement after Hansi Flick's starting lineup posed for their pre-match photo with hands covering their mouths, suggesting they feel silenced by FIFA.
Former Arsenal women's star Alex Scott had worn the OneLove armband ahead of England's World Cup opener against Iran live on national television in her own stance, whilst Three Lions captain Harry Kane has since opened up admitting he wanted to wear the armband but was advised not to. Keane and Wright discussed the German's statement and gesture before the game against Japan at half-time as Flick's side headed into the break 1-0 up thanks to Ilkay Gundogan's penalty.
READ MORE: Harry Kane explains England decision to not wear OneLove armband amid FA and FIFA pressure
The Germany statement posted on Twitter read: "We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.
The statement continued: "It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us. Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position."
During ITV's coverage at half-time, Wright felt it was a 'fantastic' gesture from Germany. The ex-Gunners star said: "Fantastic. They wanted to wear the armband to protest and I’m delighted for them because they’ve done something that’s on the global stage, something that the LGBTQ community to see that people are standing with them in solidarity. That’s fantastic, I hope other teams do the same."
Keane agreed with Wright but still feels that more could be done by nations and their players. The former United midfielder said: "It’s a start, a gesture but I still think they should do more."
When told Germany posed with hands covering their mouths because they feel 'silenced', Keane responded: "Silenced by who? By who? The most important people in football are supporters and the players.
"Use their voice, wear the armband, stand up, leadership is about action, do it, this is going to drag on, do it. This is a gesture and it’s the start but they can do more."
German Federal Minister of the Interior and Community Nancy Faeser has made her stance clear by wearing the OneLove armband sat next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the stands, watching her nation take on Japan. Faeser tweeted during the game: "#OneLove".
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