SPORTS minister Stuart Andrew turned up to the Wales versus England match wearing an LGBTQ+ One Love armband.
The gay MP displayed the protest armband together with a rainbow tie to send a message in Qatar where homosexuality is punishable by death.
England and Wales were among seven nations to axe plans to wear the armband in matches to spare players disciplinary action.
Mr Andrew said: “Sport has the power to unite and inspire so it’s vital all sporting events, such as the Fifa World Cup, are open and inclusive.
“I’m wearing the #OneLove armband to support the LGBT community and send a positive message that everyone should feel welcome at all sport tournaments.”
Qatar World Cup chief Hassan Al-Thawadi blasted the move.
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He said: “If you’re making a statement here in Qatar or specifically addressed to Qatar, and by extension the Islamic world, I take issue with that.
“It leaves a very divisive message.”
3LionsPride, an LGBTQ+ England fan group, called Fifa’s decision to sanction players for wearing the armband “more than disappointing”.
It said the “right to freedom of speech and expression” were being crushed.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
