Harry Kane and Gareth Bale were criticized by Roy Keane. The rainbow-colored band would be worn by the two skippers to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community, as they have previously said. Since Qatar was chosen to host the FIFA World Cup, the issue of gay rights has received a lot of attention because homosexuality is prohibited in the Gulf nation. However, FIFA reportedly stated that those wearing the armband will receive immediate yellow cards as well as other sporting sanctions. Although political chants and remarks are not permitted during games by FIFA, Keane believes that not donning the armband is a squandered chance.
I believe the players could have done it for the first game and accepted the punishment, whatever it may have been, said the legendary Manchester United and Republic of Ireland star to ITV. That statement would have been fantastic. Do that for the opening match. What a message Kane or Bale would have sent if you received your yellow card. Take your medication, go on, and don’t wear it the following game since you don’t want to get suspended. I believe it was a grave error, and Wales and England should have persisted in doing it despite outside pressure and internal pressure. Have the conviction, act on it, and stick with it.
Harry Kane is not permitted to don the One Love armband by FIFA. If he wears it, there are worries that he might get booked right when the game starts. On Monday (November 21), the Three Lions defeated a depleted Iran team 6-2 to win their inaugural match, with Kane contributing two assists. But after the game had over, the media questioned the Tottenham Hotspur striker about not donning the armband.
The current owner of the Golden Boot was incensed that he was forbidden from expressing his support for One Love. Instead, Kane wore an armband that said, “No Discrimination,” though he insists that he wasn’t given the option to make that choice. The England captain reportedly said, “Yeah, I think we’re disappointed,” as reported by The Telegraph. I believe I indicated yesterday that we wanted to wear it, but today, that choice was made for us. I was instructed to wear the armband when I arrived at the stadium wearing it. Look, as players, we have no control over it. The FA and FIFA will undoubtedly continue their discussions, but today’s game was our main priority, and we succeeded admirably as a result.
What specifically will the English FA have done if Harry Kane doesn’t wear the armband to increase awareness of the problems with a World Cup in Qatar? It’s starting to resemble absolutely nothing. And it would be even less without Gareth Southgate’s insightful responses to queries. The United States will be England’s next opponent on November 25, while Wales will take against Iran.
For more World Cup news and updates, keep watching this space.
