The world of football has been massively involved in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, as recently, team captains’ armbands have been styled in the colors of the rainbow. A significant gesture for the community, however there are also those footballers who refuse to wear such a ribbon. the latest case comes from the Netherlands, where Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu withdrew from his role for the match against AZ Almaar. Through a message on social networks, Kokcu emphasized that because of his faith, he was not the right person to convey such a message.
“I have decided not to wear the ribbon with the colors of the rainbow. It is important to emphasize that I respect everyone regardless of their choices in life, everyone is free to live as they wish. I also understand very well the message that the sport wants to convey about the LGBTQ+ community, but because of my faith I don’t feel like the right person to carry the armband.
I feel uncomfortable and I understand that some people may be disappointed by my action, but that is absolutely not the intention. I know that many people may not believe my words, but I hope they understand that such a decision comes as a result of my faith and I think that something like this should be respected”, said Kokcu. After this choice of Kokcu, the ribbon with the colors of the rainbow in the match against AZ Alkmaar was held by the Austrian player, Gernot Trauner.
