Given that dramatic conclusion for Group F tonight,with Portugal, France, Germany and Hungary all vying for places in the Euro 2020 Round of 16 tonight, it's a pity that all of the talk before Germany v Hungary in Munich was about whether the city of Munich would be able to display a rainbow flag in lights on the Allianz Arena. This is a problem entirely of UEFA's making, and given UEFA's hamfisted handling of the issue, it was no surprise to see fans take some action this evening regarding the matter.
Tonight in Munich, as 'Himnusz', the Hungarian national anthem played moments before kickoff, a protestor ran onto the field carrying a rainbow flag.
Oh wow! One spectator just ran on with a rainbow flag during the Hungarian national anthem. Loud cheers from the Germany block pic.twitter.com/EDJzdV0tbx
— Archie Rhind-Tutt (@archiert1) June 23, 2021
The protestor brandished the flag in front of the Hungarian team before being tackled by security staff at the stadium and escorted from the pitch.
The protestor seemed to be cheered by German fans.
Today UEFA released a statement defending its position on rainbow flag.
"It is a symbol that embodies our core values, promoting everything that we believe in - a more just and egalitarian society, tolerant of everyone, regardless of their background, belief or gender.
"Some people have interpreted UEFA's decision to turn down the city of Munich's request to illuminate the Munich stadium in rainbow colours for a Euro 2020 match as 'political'.
"On the contrary, the request itself was political, linked to the Hungarian football team's presence in the stadium for this evening's match with Germany.
"For UEFA, the rainbow is not a political symbol, but a sign of our firm commitment to a more diverse and inclusive society."
Yesterday, the mayor of Munich declared his anger with UEFA for their decision on this matter.
"I find it shameful that UEFA forbids us to send a message here in Munich for openness, tolerance, respect and solidarity with the LGBTQI + community.
"I am also very disappointed that the DFB (the German football federation), despite the unbelievably clear positioning here in Munich, in Bavaria and also in Germany, has not achieved or wanted to achieve anything.
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