UK Sports Minister Wears OneLove Armband

During England's World Cup game with Wales on Wednesday, sports minister Stuart Andrew wore the OneLove armband. Andrew, who is openly gay, opted to wear the armband to promote diversity and inclusion from the stands, the BBC writes.

England and Wales were among seven countries who abandoned plans to wear the armbands during matches because players faced disciplinary action if they did so.

Qatar World Cup chief Hassan Al-Thawadi said the armbands were sending out a “divisive message.”

Image Credit: Pixabay

“In the unique position I have, as a sports minister, I feel I have to represent everybody and to say to Fifa to please have a look at these issues,” said Andrew to BBC sports editor Dan Roan before the game. “There are a lot of fans out there who want to come and support their teams. We have a great match going on tonight, it's just sad some people feel they can't come.”

German interior minister Nancy Faeser wore the OneLove armband while sitting next to Fifa president Gianni Infantino during her country's opening game, while BBC broadcaster Alex Scott also wore the armband live on air.

However, Andrew said that the UK could learn some lessons from how Qatar has hosted the event. “There have been mixed reports and that is why I needed to come here myself,” he added.

“The majority of fans have been telling me what they were expecting and what they are experiencing is quite different.

“There have been some very positive things here and there are some areas where the Qataris have addressed things quickly when things have gone wrong.

“They have provided some fantastic facilities for disabled fans and we may have learned some lessons from that, but there are other challenges too.

“It's only if you come here and see it for yourself that you can actually then consider it and also to look the Qataris in the eye and have those honest conversations as good friends.”

Read related myGwork articles here:

Rainbow Flag Waving Pitch Invader Disrupts World Cup Match

FIFA Tells Belgium To Remove Word “Love” On World Cup Kits

England Expect To Be Fined For Harry Kane Wearing “One Love” Armband At World Cup

England Star Beth Mead: “No Respect” In Qatar Ahead Of World Cup

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