Dutch against racist behaviour in Budapest: if we hear insults, we will leave the pitch

On Sunday, the Dutch national team will face the Czech team. Captain Georginio Wijnaldum will be wearing a coloured armband in support of the LGBT community. What did he have to say about this and the possible racist insults?

The Dutch captain will wear the striped armband mainly because the game is being played in Hungary. It rejects LGBT or other sexual groups, and intimate encounters are even strictly forbidden in schools.

In Budapest, the games can be watched by a full stadium, but that has its downside. Both the Portuguese and the French complained about racism from the stands after the final whistle of their matches against the Hungarians.

In the words of captain Georginio Wijnaldum, the Netherlands is not only reacting to Hungary’s attitude, but also wants to show the fans that they have the right to choose.

“It’s not a gesture directed only against Hungary. The rainbow-coloured armband means support for diversity. Everyone has the right to love, everyone has the right to be who they want to be.”

The Dutch players are ready to react to any negative reaction in the form of boos or inappropriate remarks by leaving the field.

“Players sometimes get punished for defending themselves and that’s not how it should be. UEFA is supposed to protect us. If we hear insults, we are ready to leave the pitch,” Wijnaldum added.

Source: KNVB