UEFA’s decision to block plans by Munich to light the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for the Germany-Hungary Euro 2020 match was met on Tuesday with defiance in the Bavarian city which vowed to decorate other landmarks in protest at a law passed by the Hungarian Government.
“UEFA is a politically and religiously neutral organisation,” said European football’s governing body in a statement ahead of Wednesday’s match.
“Given the political context of this request — a message aimed at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament — UEFA must refuse.”
Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter slammed UEFA’s decision as ‘shameful’ and announced plans to decorate other city landmarks in rainbow colours in defiance.
“I find it shameful that UEFA forbids us to send a sign for cosmopolitanism, tolerance, respect and solidarity with the people of the LGBTIQ community,” he said.
He plans to put up rainbow-coloured flags at the Munich town hall and illuminate a huge wind turbine located close to the stadium, as well as the city’s 291m-tall Olympic Tower.