Manuel Neuer still managed to make a personal gesture of support for the LGBTQ+ community despite being told by FIFA that the OneLove armband would be met with a 'sporting sanction.'
Before the game Denmark revealed that they were discussing internal ways of dealing with the situation, including withdrawing from FIFA. Germany's response to FIFA's effective ban of the armband was to cover their mouths in an act of silence for the team photos before the game.
England captain Harry Kane was also advised not to wear the armband for the Three Lions' match against Iran and instead wore the standard anti-discrimination one, Gareth Bale of Wales did as well, so too did other European nations involved in the campaign, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium and Netherlands.
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Neuer, who appeared to organise the gesture of protest before the game, chose not to wear the armband due to the threat of a yellow card, but did manage to make another statement.
Having been checked by the match officials for the OneLove armband, Neuer was still allowed to play with a rainbow pattern on his boots. The Rainbow Laces campaign has been associated with supporting the LGBTQ+ community for several years. The OneLove campaign doesn't give clear support for women's rights or gay rights, instead opting for a more vague description of inclusivity and diversity.
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