German footballer condemns Qatar ambassador remarks

2 years ago 55

Benjamin Henrichs, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane

Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka has criticised the comments made by a Qatar World Cup ambassador astir homosexuality saying they are "from a antithetic millennium".

He besides said the LGBTQ+ radical going to Qatar should "accept our rules".

Homosexuality is amerciable successful the World Cup big federation arsenic it is considered immoral nether Islamic Sharia law.

At Bayern Munich's 6-1 location triumph implicit Werden Bremen connected Tuesday night, a banner was unveiled successful protestation against Salman's comments.

Speaking aft the game, Bayern's Goretzka told German media: "It's precise oppressive. This is an representation of a antheral that comes from different millennium.

"It leaves you speechless that thing similar this tin beryllium said by a World Cup ambassador soon earlier a World Cup."

Salman had told German broadcaster ZDF: "[Homosexuality] is haram. You cognize what haram [forbidden] means?

"I americium not a strict Muslim but wherefore is it haram? Because it is harm successful the mind," helium said earlier the interrogation was stopped by an accompanying official.

The German Football Association (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf said helium was "stunned" by the World Cup ambassador's comments.

"The connection discredits the full LGBTIQ assemblage and reveals an highly problematic narration with quality rights," Neuendorf told German regular Bild.

"Fifa should earnestly analyse whether its morals committee should woody with this."

Neuendorf besides said helium had spoken to erstwhile Aston Villa and Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, 40, who revealed helium is cheery successful 2014.

"I spoke to Thomas Hitzlsperger connected the telephone contiguous astir this matter," helium added. "We are unanimous successful our assessment: the World Cup ambassador's lapse is wholly retired of the question and leaves america stunned."

A banner was unveiled during Bayern Munich's location lucifer connected Tuesday

Salman's comments were besides condemned by Human Rights Watch and LGBTQ+ run radical All Out.

There is interest astir however LGBTQ+ radical are treated successful Qatar, wherever same-sex relationships and the promotion of same-sex relationships are criminalised, with punishments ranging from fines to the decease sentence.

The big country's World Cup organisers person stated "everyone is welcome" and no-one volition beryllium discriminated against, but Qatar 2022 main enforcement Nasser al Khater has said the authorities would not alteration its laws connected homosexuality, requesting visitors "respect our culture".

Fifa precocious wrote to competing nations asking them to "now absorption connected the football" alternatively of the competition's arguable build-up.

The letter, which was signed by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, was criticised by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and LGBTQ+ campaigners successful England and Wales, portion 10 European shot associations - including those of England and Wales - said "human rights are cosmopolitan and use everywhere".

Peaceful protests person been planned by immoderate players, portion England's Harry Kane and 9 different captains of European teams, including Germany, volition beryllium wearing 'One Love' armbands to beforehand diverseness and inclusion.

England guardant and Euro 2022 victor Beth Mead, who is openly gay, said it is "disappointing" the men's World Cup is being held successful Qatar.