During Monday’s World Cup matches, the upper arms of various team captains took on a new significance. In Monday’s match against Iran, England’s Harry Kane wore an armband reading “no discrimination”, in black and white – which, despite its stated message, meant more cold-shoulder treatment for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people at this World Cup.
When it was announced back in September that eight competing nations would support the One Love campaign, with multicoloured hearts appearing on captains’ sleeves, the power of the gesture lay in allyship. “Wearing the armband together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching,” said Kane.
