A European Union chief believes that UEFA has “no reasonable excuse” for blocking Munich’s plans to show rainbow colours during a European Championship group stage match between Germany and Hungary at the Allianz Arena.
UEFA have cited that the city’s plans on sending a message to promote diversity and inclusion was “a politically and religiously neutral organisation” after rejecting an application for the stadium to be illuminated for the backing of LGBT rights.
European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas is quoted by AP, stating in a news conference prior to Wednesday’s encounter, “Yes, I find it very difficult to understand what UEFA is trying to do by going against this initiative of the Munich city council.
“Frankly, I do not find any reasonable excuse for that.”
Schinas added that he became more shocked by UEFA’s decision after their support over campaigns for inclusion and tackling racism.
“They supported all the good causes. And all of a sudden, they make an issue out of this.”
Meanwhile, UEFA released the following statement:
— UEFA (@UEFA) June 23, 2021
Despite Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena unable to display this message, various other stadiums across Germany are showing their support for the rainbow.
UEFA turned down a request from Munich’s mayor for the city’s stadium to be lit up in rainbow colors for the Euro 2020 match between Germany and Hungary.
German clubs responded.
(via @s04_en, @VfL_Wolfsburg, @HerthaBSC_EN, @fckoeln_en) pic.twitter.com/gt6sbGZCXW— ESPN (@espn) June 22, 2021