Bale: Wales will keep political statements away from the pitch

and other European nations wanted to wear OneLove armband to promote inclusion and send a message against discrimination of any kind but FIFA threatened them with sporting sanctions and they decided to back down.

Germany players in protest decided to cover their mouths for a pre-match team photo against Japan but

says they will keep any political displays away from the pitch.

Ahead of the game against

on Friday, Bale said:

”We weren't too happy about not being able to wear it with the sanctions that would have been put in place.

"I know people said I should have worn it, but I would have been sent off after about 25 minutes. Of course we support it, but we're here to play football at the same time.

"Just by not wearing the armband doesn't mean we don't support it. We're all for equality, and we're always trying to do the right thing, trying to create that awareness.

"In terms of doing something else, I guess when teams try to do something else and the result doesn't go the right way, they get criticised for not concentrating on the football.

"For us, now the tournament's started, we really need to concentrate on the football for ourselves. But outside of the game, if there's anything we can do to raise awareness or support, we'll definitely do that.”

Wales manager Rob Page also suggested that German players now regret their protest because they lost their focus against Japan.

Page said:

"We've got campaigns going on that we're fully supportive of as an association and as a Welsh government.

"I want my players to focus fully on playing games of football and winning games. I'm sure Germany now, in hindsight, would probably have the same message."

Bale is set to overtake Chris Gunter and become the most capped men’s player in Welsh football history against Iran.

Page praised Bale and believes he deserves all the credit he's getting.

"I think it's gone to another level overnight again with what he's done," the Wales boss said of his captain, who netted their equaliser against the United States.

"He admits himself it probably wasn't one of his better games over the 90 minutes, but when you need him, he delivers for you.

"If you wanted anybody in a pressurised situation to get a late equaliser, it would be Gareth Bale taking that penalty.

"He's done it time and time again for us. When we needed the win against Austria, he delivers goals, against Ukraine, he's the one to step up to take the free-kick to get us to the finals.

"He deserves all the credit he's getting at the moment."

Bale added:

"I've not really focused too much on the cap thing, to be honest.

"Thinking about it now, it's an amazing achievement, an honour to represent my country so many times.

"But it's more important we try to get the victory tomorrow. Hopefully we can and make it even more special."

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