BUDAPEST, Hungary - Netherlands captain Georginio Wijnaldum will wear an iridescent armband with the phrase "One Love" during their Euro 2020 match against the Czech Republic on Sunday in Budapest, coach Frank de Boer has confirmed.
UEFA is investigating allegations of racism and homophobia at the Puskas Arena during France's 2-2 Group F draw with Portugal on Wednesday. The game took place on the same day as Hungary's encounter with Germany in Munich, when UEFA refused a request to light the Allianz Arena in rainbow colors because it insisted that it be a new game forbidden by the Hungarian government. A political act would be against the rules. To include gay people in educational materials.
UEFA is expecting another crowd near the capacity of 60,000 in Budapest on Sunday, with the possibility of more discriminatory chants or banners.
But despite the controversy, de Boer says Wijnaldum is determined to wear the "One Love" armband.
"We haven't taken a knee in the previous games, but we know what we stand for," De Boer said. "Our captain wears a band for the campaign 'One Love' which is against all forms of discrimination.
"This is the biggest statement we can make. Ginny is an example to us. Apart from his qualities and his goals, he is a fighter and a man who can connect.
"He's our connector between the fans and the players, and between the players on the team. Everyone loves him. You can recognize him by his big smile, and he's clear and says what he wants."
UEFA is expecting 6,000 Dutch fans and 7,000 Czechs for the game, most likely to be local fans inside the stadium.