UEFA declines request to light up Allianz Arena in rainbow colors

Following the controversy around Manuel Neuer’s rainbow armband during

’s game against Portugal, the German FA decided to light up Allianz Arena in rainbow colors for the national team’s game against Hungary on Tuesday. However, UEFA has blocked the request in order to stay neutral regarding political issues.

"Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies - and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today,"

a statement released by UEFA reads.

"Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love.

"However UEFA, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organisation. Given the political context of this specific request - a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament - UEFA must decline this request."

The government in Munich has considered flying rainbow flags in the city during the game. Germany midfielder

backed the national team’s efforts to show solidarity towards the LGBT community.

"It would be completely absurd if we had to apologise for it because it is absolutely clear what that stands for,"

Goretzka said.

"We as a football world want to counter racism and homophobia with diversity."

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