Germany 's players covered their mouths for a pre-match team photo ahead of their World Cup opener against Japan in a suggestion that FIFA have been trying to silence them.
Hansi Flick's side also warmed up in training shirts with rainbow coloured sleeves following threats from FIFA to sanction players should they make any political statements during the controversial tournament in Qatar. Germany had been among the seven nations who were planning to wear the 'OneLove' rainbow armband to express solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, showing that football is for everyone.
There was support in the stands too, with German interior minister Nancy Faeser wearing the OneLove armband in the stands as she watched the clash with Japan. Shortly after the pre-match protest, the German FA tweeted: "We wanted to use our captain's armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.
